Photo:James Gyakye Quayson
Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, has slammed the high visa application fees imposed by foreign embassies in Ghana, calling them “exploitative” and “unjustifiable” for citizens of developing countries.
Appearing before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25, 2025, Quayson expressed strong disapproval of what he described as a systemic policy by developed nations to profit from visa applicants—many of whom are young Ghanaians seeking better prospects abroad.
“This is an administrative policy we need to review urgently. Many of these so-called advanced countries are milking our people. A visa is not cheap. The application form alone costs around $160, which could represent a month or two of wages for some of our youth or labourers. And 99 percent of these embassies don’t even refund the money when the visa is denied,” he said.
Quayson noted that the visa fees often serve as a revenue stream for the operations of foreign embassies in Ghana—a situation he believes is deeply unfair and one-sided.
“Most of these embassies fund their entire missions through the fees they charge us. If we’re not careful, we’ll keep assuming they’re self-sustaining, when in fact, their operations are bankrolled by struggling applicants.”
Responding to a question from a committee member who referenced Nigeria’s policy of refunding fees for unsuccessful visa applicants, Quayson suggested that Ghana should adopt a similar framework to protect its citizens from unnecessary financial losses.
“Ghanaians shouldn’t be burdened further when they’re already facing limited economic opportunities at home. We must find a way to make these processes more reciprocal and humane.”
He stressed that foreign policy should prioritise the interests of the country’s own people first, not foreign missions.
“Foreign policy isn’t about pandering to external powers. It’s about protecting our people. Our domestic conditions must shape our foreign engagements.”
Quayson pledged to work closely with the substantive Minister for Foreign Affairs to explore reforms that will ensure visa regimes are fair, transparent, and balanced, rather than exploitative.
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