The United States Embassy in Ghana has expressed deep concern over a surge in fraudulent visa applications, revealing that approximately 60% of the 61,000 submissions received in 2024 were denied-largely due to fraud.

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According to the Embassy, only 25,000 applications were approved this year, a figure officials say reflects the increasing involvement of middlemen and fraudulent agents posing as facilitators to unsuspecting Ghanaians desperate to travel abroad.

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Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Consul General of the U.S. Embassy, Elliot Fertik, attributed the sharp rate of denials to widespread deception by self-styled "fixers" who prey on applicants with false assurances of guaranteed visas often charging thousands of dollars.

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"There are often a lot of people who say, "If you pay me money, I can get you a visa." That is not true," Mr. Fertik stressed.

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"The visa application process can be done by anyone, on their own.

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Paying extra money to someone who claims to have an inside track is a lie; they are simply taking your money." He disclosed that hundreds of victims report to the Embassy annually after being defrauded of up to $5,000 by these fraudulent agents, who eventually fail to deliver any results.

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In response to the growing trend, the Embassy is intensifying efforts in collaboration with Ghanaian security agencies to track and prosecute individuals involved in visa-related scams.

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Mr. Fertik also mentioned joint efforts with Canadian law enforcement to dismantle cross-border visa fraud networks.

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The Embassy has consistently maintained a zero-tolerance policy towards dishonesty in visa applications.

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Mr. Fertik noted that this stance remains unchanged and will be rigorously enforced under the current U.S. administration.

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Per reports, the number of Ghanaians who applied for visa applications between 2019 and 2023 had tripled.

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In 2023, the US Embassy revealed that Ghana ranked 14th with regards to the country with the most students traveling to the US for studies.

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A total of 10,000 visa applications were turned in by students and sportsmen from Ghana.

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Unapproved visa extension

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A report from the US government revealed that Ghana's visa compliance has worsened.

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About 1,910 individuals out of a total of 25,454 who were issued B1/B2 visas overstayed.

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537 out of 2,559 student and exchange visitor visa holders remained in the US unlawfully.

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