The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has rejected suggestions that it was responsible for issuing or securing visas for participants selected for tourism activities linked to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a press release responding to recent public commentary, the GTA explained that its involvement centred on tourism promotion, participant identification and facilitating engagement with relevant diplomatic missions, while visa decisions remained outside its authority.

The Authority explained that it identified the World Cup as, “an opportunity to promote Ghana’s tourism, culture, music, fashion, crafts and creative industries to an international audience.” The initiative, according to the GTA, was presented to and approved by its Board before preparations commenced.

Furthermore, the programme brought together cultural troupes, musicians, exhibitors, media practitioners, tourism industry representatives, GTA staff and heads of related agencies as part of the proposed promotional activities.

Turning to the visa arrangements, the GTA disclosed that it engaged the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to obtain guidance on the requirements and procedures applicable to participants. Its role, however, was limited to identifying participating groups, facilitating institutional introductions and providing guidance on the application process.

The Authority consequently clarified that it neither possessed the mandate to issue visas nor had the capacity to guarantee approvals or determine individual application outcomes. Such decisions, it noted, rested exclusively with the relevant diplomatic and immigration authorities.

On financing, the GTA revealed that it initially explored private-sector sponsorship to support the participating groups. However, the financial requirements made the proposed arrangement impracticable, leading participants to assume responsibility for their visa fees, travel and accommodation costs.

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

Meanwhile, GTA Chief Executive Officer Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto also firmly denied “any personal involvement in the sale of visas or the collection of money from applicants in exchange for visa opportunities.”

The GTA consequently called for the matter to be assessed through verified facts and institutional records, while reaffirming its commitment to transparency, responsible administration and the promotion of Ghana’s tourism and creative industries.

GTA Responds to Minority Claims Over World Cup Visa Process

The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) also responded to allegations raised by the Minority in Parliament over Ghana’s arrangements for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that its participation in the initiative was tied to tourism promotion.

The Minority, at a press conference on October 7, called for the removal of GTA Chief Executive Officer Mrs Maame Efua Houadjeto alongside Sports and Recreation Minister Kofi Adams over alleged irregularities surrounding the visa arrangements.

Ranking Member of Parliament’s Youth and Sports Committee, Vincent Ekow Assafuah, also questioned the composition of a list of 50 people reportedly submitted to the United States Embassy as media personnel. According to the Minority, the Embassy’s Fraud Prevention Unit identified only two of the individuals as media practitioners.

The GTA, however, has challenged a narrow interpretation of who qualifies as a participant in contemporary tourism promotion. The Authority explained that international destination marketing increasingly involves digital creators and other communications professionals alongside journalists working for traditional media organisations.

In this context, the GTA identified bloggers, social-media influencers, photographers, videographers and digital content creators as part of the wider communications ecosystem used to promote destinations.

“The professional relevance of participants should be assessed against their intended functions and promotional responsibilities rather than exclusively against conventional journalism classifications.”
The Ghana Tourism Authority

The clarification comes as the Minority has also questioned the financial arrangements surrounding the World Cup initiative. The Minority alleged that some individuals paid between US$7,000 and US$14,000 in connection with visa and travel arrangements and called for investigations into the institutions and individuals involved.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Tourism Authority acknowledged the importance of accountability in resolving the controversy but “the circumstances surrounding the program must be considered on the basis of verified facts, institutional records and the distinct responsibilities of the parties involved.”

The GTA consequently reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the integrity of its mandate while advancing Ghana’s tourism, creative and cultural interests through international platforms.

The controversy has also resulted in the removal of National Sports Authority (NSA) Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah after the Minority in Parliament called for his suspension or dismissal over allegations surrounding a World Cup visa facilitation arrangement.

President John Dramani Mahama subsequently directed Mr Ampofo Ankrah to step aside with immediate effect pending a Criminal Investigations Department (CID) probe, with the Presidency clarifying that the administrative action did not constitute a finding of wrongdoing.

Professor Emmanuel Osei Sarpong was appointed Acting Director-General to oversee the Authority while the investigation continues. Mr Ampofo Ankrah has denied wrongdoing and expressed disappointment that he had not been given an opportunity to explain his side.