Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) Chief Executive Officer Maame Efua Houadjeto has defended the Authority’s tourism promotion initiative for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, insisting that she did not sell visas or collect money from applicants in exchange for visa opportunities.
In a press statement issued on Friday, October 9, 2026, Ms Houadjeto said her involvement in the programme was undertaken in her official capacity as head of the GTA and was consistent with the Authority’s mandate to promote Ghana as an international tourism destination.
She said the initiative was designed to showcase Ghana’s tourism attractions, cultural heritage, music, fashion, crafts and creative industries to international audiences during the global football tournament.
“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 stated.
GTA clarifies role in visa arrangements
Addressing concerns surrounding visa applications connected to the programme, Ms Houadjeto explained that the Authority had engaged the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission to obtain guidance on the relevant application requirements.
She stressed, however, that the GTA had no authority to guarantee visa approvals or determine the outcome of applications, which she said fell outside the Authority’s mandate.
Her clarification comes amid increased scrutiny of arrangements for prospective travellers seeking to participate in activities associated with Ghana’s tourism promotion during the 2026 World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
CEO defends inclusion of digital content creators
Ms Houadjeto also defended the programme’s inclusion of bloggers, social media influencers, digital content creators, photographers and videographers, arguing that modern tourism promotion requires a broader range of communication professionals.
According to the statement, the selection of participants should be assessed based on their intended roles and promotional responsibilities rather than whether they fall within traditional definitions of journalism.
“The professional relevance of participants should be assessed against their intended functions and promotional responsibilities rather than exclusively against conventional journalism classifications,” the statement said.
The GTA chief executive maintained that the programme’s objective was to expand Ghana’s visibility internationally by using different media platforms and creative professionals to promote the country’s tourism offerings.
Calls for assessment based on verified facts
Ms Houadjeto urged that the circumstances surrounding the initiative be examined using verified information, official records and a clear understanding of the respective responsibilities of the institutions and individuals involved.
She maintained that her participation in the programme was connected to her official duties and reiterated her denial of personal involvement in the sale of visas or the collection of money in exchange for visa opportunities.
The statement did not provide further details about the number of participants selected, the programme’s budget or the specific arrangements made for their travel.
The allegations and the circumstances surrounding the initiative remain matters requiring assessment based on the available evidence and any findings by the relevant authorities.
