Ghanaian Foreign Minister inspects visa centres to improve applicant dignity

Ghanaian Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has conducted a working tour of more than 20 embassies and visa application centres to assess the experiences of Ghanaian visa applicants.

The tour, which included a visit to the VFS Global Visa Application Centre in Accra, aimed to address public complaints regarding long wait times, poor waiting areas, and applicants being exposed to weather conditions. During the inspection, the Minister interacted with both staff and applicants to observe operational processes and customer journeys firsthand.

Minister Ablakwa stated that while diplomatic missions retain the sole authority to determine visa eligibility, they must take concrete steps to safeguard the dignity and welfare of applicants. He noted that while some missions have made substantial progress, he intends to present his findings to heads of mission in the coming days to seek improvements in service delivery and facility conditions.