The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, commenced a working visit on Monday, October 5, to evaluate the circumstances of Ghanaian visa applicants across more than 20 embassies and visa application centres.
He indicated that the working tour provided him with an opportunity to observe the prevailing situation firsthand and to engage in direct dialogue with fellow citizens regarding their experiences.
He stated that he will be consulting with Heads of Missions in the forthcoming days regarding his findings and observations, to collaborate to achieve improvements.
“It should be noted that during my initial month as Foreign Minister, I engaged with diplomatic missions and urged them to uphold the dignity and welfare of Ghanaian visa applicants, mitigate extended waiting periods for appointments, and ensure adequate provisions are implemented to prevent applicants from being exposed and subjected to adverse weather conditions.
“I must recognize that considerable progress has been achieved by certain missions; however, others must intensify their efforts,” he stated on X.
He further noted, “As I have consistently underscored, it remains the prerogative of diplomatic missions to establish eligibility criteria for their visas, and I shall not intervene in that matter; nonetheless, they must implement substantive measures to guarantee that the dignity of Ghanaians is preserved.”
