The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has denied collecting money from applicants in exchange for visas or visa opportunities linked to its tourism promotion activities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 9, the Authority said its role was to identify participating groups, facilitate institutional introductions and provide guidance on visa application procedures. It stressed that it had no authority to issue visas, guarantee approvals or determine the outcome of applications.
The statement issued by GTA’s CEO, Maame Efua Houadjeto, said the initiative was designed to promote Ghana’s tourism, culture, music, fashion, crafts and creative industries to international audiences. It added that the programme had been presented to and approved by its board.
Participants included cultural groups, musicians, exhibitors, media practitioners, tourism industry representatives, GTA staff and heads of related agencies.
According to the statement, the Authority engaged the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission for guidance on visa requirements and procedures.
The GTA said it initially explored private-sector sponsorship for participating groups, but the arrangement proved impracticable because of the financial requirements. Participants were subsequently informed that they would pay their own visa application fees, travel and accommodation expenses.
The Authority also said some groups independently engaged travel agents to assist with transportation, accommodation and other travel arrangements.
“The Ghana Tourism Authority unequivocally denies collecting money from any applicant in return for visas or visa opportunities,” the statement said.
Maame Efua Houadjeto also denied personal involvement in the sale of visas or the collection of money from applicants in exchange for visa opportunities.
The GTA defended the inclusion of bloggers, social-media influencers, digital content creators, photographers and videographers in tourism promotion activities, saying media participation extended beyond journalists employed by traditional media organisations.
