The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called on all Embassies and High Commissions in Ghana to implement fair and improved conditions for visa applicants.

This directive follows mounting concerns from Ghanaians over the treatment they receive at foreign missions.

Complaints include insufficient waiting areas, long delays in securing appointments, limited access to emergency services, and difficulties navigating visa application websites.

“The complaints cover issues such as, not providing conducive waiting areas, non-availability of emergency services, long waiting times for appointment dates as well as challenges in using visa application websites”.

In an official statement, the Ministry confirmed that it has formally reached out to all diplomatic missions, urging them to enhance conditions at their offices and visa processing centers.

It expects these missions to respond positively by making necessary improvements.

While acknowledging that embassies and high commissions have the exclusive right to grant or deny visas, the Ministry reassured the public of its commitment to ensuring a better experience for applicants.

It also stated that measures will be taken to monitor compliance with its recommendations.

A 2024 Afrobarometer report found that six out of ten Ghanaians have considered emigrating, mainly for economic opportunities.

This growing demand for visas has led to an increase in visa application centers and travel agencies, many of which focus more on processing fees than quality service.

In some cases, vulnerable applicants are taken advantage of, often with little protection.