News
GTA denies visa sale allegations over 2026 World Cup tourism plan
The Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) has denied allegations that it collected money from applicants in exchange for visas under its tourism promotion programme for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement, the Authority said it has taken note of public commentary concerning visa application arrangements linked to the tournament and sought to clarify its role and that of its CEO, Maame Efua Houadjeto.
According to the GTA, the 2026 World Cup was identified as a major opportunity to promote Ghana’s tourism, culture, music, fashion, crafts and creative industries to an international audience. The initiative, it said, was presented to and approved by the Board.
Participants were to include cultural troupes, musicians, exhibitors, media practitioners, tourism industry representatives, staff of the Authority and heads of related agencies.
The GTA said it engaged the United States Embassy and the Canadian High Commission only to seek guidance on visa application requirements and procedures for the participants.
Its role, the Authority stressed, was limited to identifying relevant groups, facilitating institutional introductions and providing guidance on the process.
“At no point did GTA possess the authority to issue visas, guarantee visa approvals or determine the outcomes of individual applications. These decisions rested exclusively with the respective diplomatic and immigration authorities,” the statement noted.
On payments, the Authority explained that it initially explored private-sector sponsorship to support participants, but the financial requirements proved impracticable. As a result, participants were informed they would be responsible for their own visa fees, travel and accommodation expenses, and independently engaged travel agents for arrangements.
“The Ghana Tourism Authority unequivocally denies collecting money from any applicant in return for visas or visa opportunities. I also categorically deny that I solicited, received, or authorized payments for the purpose of securing visas,” CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto stated.
The Authority also clarified its inclusion of non-traditional media, noting that modern tourism promotion extends beyond conventional journalists to bloggers, influencers, content creators, photographers and videographers.
“The professional relevance of participants should be assessed against their intended functions and promotional responsibilities rather than exclusively against conventional journalism classifications,” it said.
The CEO added that her involvement was in discharge of her official duties and in furtherance of the Authority’s mandate, denying any personal involvement in visa sales.
The GTA said it remains committed to transparency, responsible administration and protecting public confidence while advancing Ghana’s tourism and creative industries.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
The New Patriotic Party (NPP) has opened applications for members interested in contesting as its parliamentary candidates in the 2028 general elections.
In a statement issued on Thursday, October 29, 2026, the party said interested members must declare their intention to contest between Sunday, November 1, and Tuesday, November 10, 2026.
According to the statement signed by the party’s Communications Director, Dennis Miracles Aboagye, prospective candidates must complete an online form within the specified period.
The party said a non-refundable application fee of GH¢5,000 would be charged to each prospective candidate.
It added that all applicants would undergo vetting and screening to determine their eligibility to contest on the party’s ticket.
The NPP announced plans to organise capacity-building workshops for prospective candidates in December 2026. The workshops will be held across the Northern, Middle and Southern zones, with details of the venues to be announced later.
The party stressed that the guidelines would apply to all prospective candidates, including sitting NPP Members of Parliament who wish to contest again.
It further warned aspirants against starting campaign activities following the opening of the application process.
According to the statement, the existing directive prohibiting campaign activities remains in force until the party gives official clearance.
It cautioned that anyone who violates the directive would face appropriate sanctions under the party’s constitution and regulations.
The NPP said the process was designed to promote fairness, transparency and equal opportunities for all aspirants as it prepares to select candidates for all 276 constituencies ahead of the 2028 elections.
It urged prospective candidates to follow the guidelines and conduct themselves with discipline and respect for one another throughout the process.
The party said its broader objective was to strengthen unity within its ranks and rebuild public confidence ahead of the 2028 general elections.
By: Jacob Aggrey
News
eputy Foreign Minister accompanies Veep to Shanghai to champion Global South reform, industrial drive
Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, accompanied Vice-President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang on a successful working visit to Shanghai, China, from 15th to 19th October 2026, at the invitation of the East China Normal University (ECNU).
The highlight of the visit was the 2026 Global South Academic Forum held on 17th October, which brought together over 200 scholars, policymakers, political party leaders and media professionals from Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Caribbean, under the theme “Global South Political Parties: Governance and Modernisation.”
In her keynote address, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang asserted that political independence is only truly the beginning, stating that “winning political power and governing effectively are related but not the same responsibility.” She called for stronger South-South cooperation, multilateralism and reform of the global financial architecture to end debt traps, ensure fair risk assessments and promote climate policies that respect different national circumstances.
On 18th October, she addressed a business forum with Chinese investors, linking Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy policy to industrialization. Warning that training youth without factories creates unemployment, she appealed for factories to be established in Ghana to serve the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) market, with priority on value addition in cocoa processing, shea butter, cashew, coconut and timber.
On October 19, Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, hosted a dinner at the Shangri-La for the Vice-President, attended by members of the Ghanaian community and business leaders, who praised the thorough preparation by the Ghana Embassy staff for the visit.
Throughout the trip, Mr. Quayson coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to align the engagements with Ghana’s jobs and transformation agenda.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
