Photo: Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs
After years of neglect, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has finally stepped up to challenge the shocking treatment of visa applicants by embassies and consulates. In a hard-hitting statement, the Ministry has demanded urgent reforms to end the indignities and frustrations Ghanaians face when applying for visas.
For six long years, applicants have endured unbearable conditions—ridiculously long waiting periods, a lack of proper waiting areas, and zero support when they require emergency assistance. Despite countless complaints, the former Foreign Minister did nothing to intervene.
One of the most outrageous examples was the Canada submission point at Abelemkpe, where applicants were forced to stand for hours in the scorching sun and heavy rains, crammed onto pavements with no shade or seating. Multiple reports were submitted to the Foreign Ministry, yet no action was taken, leaving applicants to suffer needlessly.
And the United States wasn’t any better! Ghanaians hoping to travel had to wait up to six months to secure an appointment, with no clear process for emergency requests or technical difficulties with their online applications. Despite desperate pleas from affected citizens, the former Minister refused to step in, effectively abandoning Ghanaians to this unjust system.
Now, with a new face at the helm, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is taking a bold stand. The current Minister has demanded answers from embassies and is pushing for immediate change. Ghana will no longer tolerate this disrespect toward its citizens—especially when these same embassies enjoy diplomatic privileges.
The message is loud and clear: It’s time for embassies to fix their broken systems! They must start treating Ghanaian applicants with dignity and respect while ensuring a fair, transparent, and efficient visa process. The Ministry and the entire nation are watching closely. The days of silent suffering are over!
Will the Minister Challenge the IELTS Ripoff?
Now that the Foreign Minister has taken a stand against unjust treatment, will he also take on another pressing issue—the unfair requirement for Ghanaian students to take IELTS exams? Ghanaians are taught in English, yet they are still forced to pay huge sums to prove their proficiency in the language. Isn’t it time to end this blatant ripoff? The ball is in the Minister’s court.
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