We Did Not Sell Visas – Ghana Tourism Authority Clarifies World Cup Tourism Programme

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has denied allegations that it collected money from applicants in exchange for visas under its tourism promotion initiative for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement addressing recent public commentary, the Authority said it had taken note of the allegations and found it necessary to clarify its involvement and address misconceptions regarding its institutional responsibilities and those of its Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto.

According to the GTA, as the statutory body mandated to promote Ghana as a tourism destination, it identified the 2026 FIFA World Cup as an opportunity to showcase Ghana’s tourism, culture, music, fashion, crafts and creative industries to international audiences. The initiative was presented to and approved by the Board of the Authority.

The programme involved several categories of participants, including cultural troupes, musicians, exhibitors, media practitioners, tourism industry representatives, staff of the Authority and heads of related agencies.

The Authority said it engaged the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to seek guidance on visa application requirements and procedures for the identified participants.

“The Authority’s role was limited to identifying relevant participating groups, facilitating appropriate institutional introductions and providing guidance on the application process,” the statement said.

“At no point did GTA possess the authority to issue visas, guarantee visa approvals or determine the outcomes of individual applications. These decisions rested exclusively with the respective diplomatic and immigration authorities.”

On payments and travel arrangements, the GTA explained that it initially explored private-sector sponsorship to support participating groups. However, the substantial financial requirements made the arrangement impracticable.

“Consequently, participants were informed that they would be responsible for their own visa application fees, travel and accommodation expenses. Some participating groups independently engaged travel agents to assist with transportation, accommodation and other travel arrangements,” the Authority stated.

“The Ghana Tourism Authority unequivocally denies collecting money from any applicant in return for visas or visa opportunities. I also categorically deny that I solicited, received, or authorised payments for the purpose of securing visas. Any payments made to independent travel service providers must be distinguished from payments made to GTA or its officials.”

The Authority also clarified issues surrounding media participation, noting that tourism promotion in contemporary times extends beyond conventional journalists to include bloggers, social-media influencers, digital content creators, photographers, videographers and other communications professionals who play recognised roles in destination marketing.

“Accordingly, the professional relevance of participants should be assessed against their intended functions and promotional responsibilities rather than exclusively against conventional journalism classifications,” it said.

On the role of the CEO, the statement emphasised that her involvement was in the discharge of official responsibilities and in furtherance of the Authority’s tourism-promotion mandate.

“I wish to make clear that my involvement in the initiative was undertaken in the discharge of my official responsibilities and in furtherance of the Authority’s tourism-promotion mandate. As the CEO of the GTA, I firmly deny any personal involvement in the sale of visas or the collection of money from applicants in exchange for visa opportunities,” Maame Efua Houadjeto stated.

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/