{
  "id": 13106301,
  "title": "GTA CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto denies involvement in World Cup visa scandal",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/gta-ceo-maame-efua-houadjeto-denies-involvement-in-world-cup-visa",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-09T11:40:46.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
    "slug": "myjoyonline-ghana",
    "url": "https://www.myjoyonline.com/gta-ceo-maame-efua-houadjeto-denies-involvement-in-world-cup-visa-scandal/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Ghana Tourism Authority CEO Maame Efua Houadjeto has denied personal involvement in the visa scandal surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, stating that her role in the initiative was within her official duties and the Authority's mandate to promote tourism. The program aimed to showcase Ghana's tourism, culture, and creative industries to international audiences during the tournament. Houadjeto emphasized that the Authority collaborated with the United States Embassy and Canadian High Commission for visa application guidance but had no authority to guarantee approvals or outcomes. The CEO also defended the participation of bloggers, influencers, and content creators, asserting that tourism promotion encompasses diverse roles beyond traditional journalism. The scandal has prompted the suspension of National Sports Authority Director-General Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, with the investigation relying on verified facts, institutional records, and the specific responsibilities of those involved.",
  "summary": "The Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Maame Efua Houadjeto, has denied personal involvement in the sale of visas or the collection of money from applicants in exchange for visa opportunities linked to Ghana’s tourism promotion activities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 5,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Adom Online",
        "title": "World Cup visa scandal: Don’t shift blame to Ablakwa – Ekow Assafuah warns Sports Minister",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/world-cup-visa-scandal-dont-shift-blame-to-ablakwa-ekow-assafuah",
        "published": "2026-10-09T09:56:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Starr FM",
        "title": "We did not collect money for World Cup visa opportunities – GTA",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/we-did-not-collect-money-for-world-cup-visa-opportunities-gta",
        "published": "2026-10-09T12:11:36.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "3News",
        "title": "GTA denies collecting money for 2026 World Cup visa arrangements",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/gta-denies-collecting-money-for-2026-world-cup-visa-arrangements",
        "published": "2026-10-09T13:45:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "GBC Ghana",
        "title": "GTA denies collecting money for World Cup visa opportunities",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/gta-denies-collecting-money-for-world-cup-visa-opportunities",
        "published": "2026-10-09T13:47:28.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}