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October 9, 2026
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GTA CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto denies involvement in World Cup visa scandal
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Key Points
- The CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, has denied personal involvement in a visa sale scandal.
- The scandal involves allegations of selling visas or collecting money for visa opportunities linked to Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup tourism promotion.
- Houadjeto stated her involvement was part of her official responsibilities and the Authority’s mandate to promote Ghana as a tourism destination.
- She clarified that the GTA sought guidance from embassies but lacked the power to guarantee visa approvals and defended the inclusion of social media influencers in the program.
- The controversy, which is currently under investigation, has already led to the suspension of the National Sports Authority's Director-General, Yaw Ampofo Ankrah.
Why This Matters
This scandal is significant for Ghana as it tarnishes the country's international image, especially in the context of leveraging global events like the FIFA World Cup for tourism promotion, and raises serious concerns about corruption within state institutions. It could undermine public trust in government initiatives and negatively impact Ghana's efforts to attract tourists and foreign investment. The ongoing investigation and suspension underscore accountability issues within key national bodies responsible for sports and tourism.
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