Put in place appropriate and humane conditions – Ministry of Foreign Affairs to Embassies

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has engaged Embassies and High Commissions on the numerous complaints by the public, on how Ghanaian citizens are treated when they visit Foreign Missions in Ghana for visa applications.

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.

To address these concerns, the Ministry has dispatched a Note Verbale to all Embassies and High Commissions urging them to put in place appropriate and humane conditions at their Embassies,High Commissions and visa centres.

It is the Ministry’s expectation that Foreign

Missions will respond positively and appropriately to the request.

In a statement by the Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Facebook, he noted that “Ministry of Foreign Affairs takes action to address the unacceptable treatment of Ghanaian visa applicants at Embassies and High Commissions.” 

According to him,”We expect diplomatic missions in Ghana to take steps to improve conditions, create conducive waiting areas, resolve unreasonable long waiting periods for appointments and create room for emergencies.” 

“We have shared values, let’s make things better for the people we serve,” he concluded.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

Read the Full Statement Below