Ghana Tourism Authority Faces Scrutiny Over Alleged World Cup Visa Scandal
Ghana’s tourism authority is facing calls for an investigation following allegations that more than 30 people were falsely presented as officials or associates of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) in documents submitted to the United States Embassy for 2026 FIFA World Cup visa applications. Opposition lawmaker Vincent Ekow Assafuah raised concerns over the alleged list, questioning how so many individuals could be linked to an agency whose governing board has approximately 11 members.
The controversy forms part of a wider dispute over visa applications allegedly involving individuals seeking to travel to the tournament. Assafuah also questioned a separate list of 50 people presented as media professionals, claiming that only two could be verified as journalists. Some applicants were reportedly asked to pay as much as $14,000 in connection with visa arrangements, raising further concerns about the process.
Assafuah has called for the suspension of GTA Chief Executive Maame Efua Houadjeto while the allegations are investigated. However, the authority has denied collecting money for visa applications, while Houadjeto has rejected claims that she received or authorised such payments. No wrongdoing has been established against the agency or its leadership.
The allegations have intensified calls for transparency over the preparation and submission of documents used in the visa process. An investigation would be necessary to establish who compiled the lists, whether the individuals named had legitimate connections to the authority, and whether any money was improperly collected. The outcome could have implications for public confidence in Ghana’s tourism administration and the handling of official travel arrangements.
