By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Oct. 9, GNA – The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has denied collecting money from applicants in exchange for visas or visa opportunities linked to its 2026 FIFA World Cup tourism promotion programme.
The Authority said its role was limited to identifying participants, facilitating institutional engagement and providing guidance on visa application procedures.
A statement issued by the GTA and signed by Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto, Chief Executive Officer, said visa approvals remained the sole responsibility of the relevant diplomatic missions and immigration authorities.
The statement was issued in response to public commentary and allegations concerning visa application arrangements associated with Ghana’s tourism promotion activities for the tournament.
It said the initiative had been approved by the Authority’s Board and was intended to showcase Ghana’s tourism, culture, music, fashion, crafts and creative industries to a global audience during the competition.
The programme involved cultural troupes, musicians, exhibitors, media practitioners, tourism industry representatives, GTA staff and heads of related agencies.
The Authority said it had engaged the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to obtain guidance on visa requirements and application procedures for identified participants.
It stressed that it had no authority to issue visas, guarantee approvals or influence the outcome of individual applications.
On financing arrangements, the GTA said it had initially explored private-sector sponsorship to support participating groups, but the substantial cost made the proposal impracticable.
It said participants were subsequently informed that they would bear their own visa application fees, travel costs and accommodation expenses.
The statement said participating groups independently engaged travel agents to assist with transportation, accommodation and related travel arrangements.
“The Ghana Tourism Authority unequivocally denies collecting money from any applicant in return for visas or visa opportunities,” it said.
Mrs Houadjeto also rejected claims that she had solicited, received or authorised payments to secure visas.
“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,” she said.
On the inclusion of media participants, the Authority said tourism promotion extended beyond traditional media organisations to include bloggers, social media influencers, digital content creators, photographers, videographers and other communications professionals.
It said participants were selected based on their intended promotional roles and responsibilities rather than solely on conventional journalism classifications.
Mrs Houadjeto said her involvement in the programme was in fulfilment of her official duties and the Authority’s mandate to promote tourism.
The GTA urged the public to assess the issues surrounding the programme on the basis of verified facts, institutional records and the respective responsibilities of the parties involved.
It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability and responsible administration, and said it would continue to promote Ghana’s tourism and creative sectors.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Sackey
Reporter: Hafsa Obeng