The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has denied collecting money from applicants seeking visa opportunities to travel to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that it has no authority to issue visas or guarantee approvals.

In a statement issued on October 9, 2026, the Authority said its involvement in the visa application arrangements was limited to identifying and recommending eligible participants and providing guidance on the application process.

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"At no point did GTA possess the authority to issue visas, grant visas, guarantee visa approvals or determine the outcome of visa applications. These decisions remain exclusively with the respective diplomatic and immigration authorities," it clarified.

The GTA further explained that its initiative was intended to promote Ghana’s tourism, culture and investment potential to an international audience, adding that the programme had been assessed and approved by its board.

According to the Authority, it engaged the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to obtain guidance on visa application requirements and procedures for identified participants.

It stressed, however, that decisions on visa applications rest solely with the relevant diplomatic and immigration authorities.

“The Ghana Tourism Authority unequivocally denies collecting money from any applicant in respect of the visa arrangements,” it said.

The Authority also denied charging fees or receiving or handling visa payments on behalf of any individual or group.

"The Authority explicitly avoided providing or supporting cash payments for visas. Rather, the Authority financed engagement made for proposed sponsorship arrangements and other facilitation arrangements,” it added.

It indicated participants had been informed that they would be responsible for their own visa application fees, travel and accommodation costs.


The GTA said some participating groups had independently engaged travel agents to assist with transportation, accommodation and other travel arrangements.

It, however, noted that payments to independent travel service providers should be distinguished from payments made to the Authority or its officials.

"Any payments made to independent travel service providers must be separated from payments made to GTA or its officials," it stated.

On the selection of media practitioners, the GTA explained that the initiative was part of its destination marketing strategy, which recognises the role of bloggers, social media influencers, filmmakers, photographers, videographers and other content creators in promoting tourism.

"The selection and approval of participants were based on criteria set by the Authority, including professional competence and promotional value. The selection process was conducted without political consideration," the statement said.

The Authority’s Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, also denied personal involvement in the sale of visas or the collection of money from applicants in exchange for visa opportunities.

"I wish to make clear that my involvement in this initiative was undertaken in the discharge of my official responsibilities and in furtherance of the Authority's tourism promotion mandate," it added.

The GTA maintained that the initiative was undertaken as part of its official tourism promotion mandate and said its activities were documented in accordance with established financial and procurement records.

It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, public accountability and the promotion of Ghana’s tourism and investment interests.

The clarification follows calls by the Minority in Parliament for the removal of the Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, and Maame Efua Houadjeto, pending investigations into alleged irregularities in Ghana's 2026 World Cup visa arrangements.

See the full statement below:





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