Foreign Affairs Minister warns embassies over long queues, ‘inhumane’ conditions for visa applicants

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has expressed his concern over the treatment of Ghanaian visa applicants at embassies and consulates in Ghana. Ablakwa warned that embassies must not subject visa applicants to long queues, delays, and inhumane conditions, stating that the government expects Ghanaian citizens to be treated with dignity and respect throughout the application process.

After visiting around 20 embassies, Ablakwa noted that while most diplomatic missions have improved their services, issues persist at some embassies, specifically concerning lengthy waiting periods. The Foreign Affairs Minister emphasized that the government expects citizens to be shielded from humiliation, disrespect, and inhumane treatment while applying for visas.

Ablakwa plans to meet with ambassadors and high commissioners of countries where these concerns have been identified to discuss the issues and seek improvements. He has already discussed the matter with one ambassador during his recent visit and expects to engage with other diplomatic missions in the near future. The government of Ghana, Ablakwa stressed, will insist that all visa applicants are treated with respect and dignity, and their concerns will be addressed, rather than being treated with contempt.