The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has broken its silence on the controversy surrounding Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup visa arrangements, firmly denying allegations that its Chief Executive Officer, Maame Efua Houadjeto, collected money from applicants in exchange for visa opportunities.

In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, the Authority said its involvement in the arrangements was strictly connected to its mandate of promoting Ghana’s tourism, culture and creative industries during the tournament.

The controversy follows allegations by the Minority in Parliament concerning the submission of names to foreign diplomatic missions, with questions raised about the identities and professional backgrounds of some individuals listed for the initiative.

Addressing the allegations directly, GTA categorically denied receiving payments in exchange for visas.

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“The Ghana Tourism Authority unequivocally denies collecting money from any applicant in return for visas or visa opportunities,” the statement said.

Houadjeto also personally rejected claims of financial impropriety, insisting that she neither solicited nor received payments to facilitate visa applications.

“I also categorically deny that I solicited, received, or authorized payments for the purpose of securing visas,” she stated.

The Authority explained that it initially explored private-sector sponsorship to cover participants’ expenses, but the arrangement became impracticable because of the substantial financial requirements.

Participants were subsequently informed that they would have to pay their own visa application fees, travel and accommodation costs.

Some groups independently engaged travel agents to assist with their travel arrangements.

GTA stressed that such transactions should not be confused with payments to the Authority or its officials.

“Any payments made to independent travel service providers must be distinguished from payments made to GTA or its officials,” the statement added.

The Authority also defended the inclusion of digital content creators and influencers among participants, arguing that modern tourism promotion extends beyond conventional journalists working for traditional media organisations.

It maintained that its programme received Board approval and that its engagement with the US Embassy and Canadian High Commission was limited to guidance on visa procedures and institutional introductions.

GTA insisted that visa decisions rested exclusively with the relevant diplomatic and immigration authorities, adding that the controversy should be assessed through verified facts and institutional records.

FKA/JKB

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