U.S. Visa: 61,000 applied in Ghana, only 25,000 approved in 2024 – Nsemkeka

U.S. Visa: 61,000 applied in Ghana, only 25,000 approved in 2024 – Nsemkeka

The United States Embassy in Ghana has disclosed that only 25,000 out of 61,000 visa applications submitted in 2024 were approved, highlighting growing concerns over fraudulent practices and the activities of middlemen posing as facilitators.

Embassy officials have linked a significant portion of the problem to so-called “fixers” who deceive desperate applicants with false promises of guaranteed visas often in exchange for large sums of money.

At a press conference in Accra, Elliot Fertik, Consul General of the U.S. Embassy, warned the public against engaging unauthorised intermediaries and reiterated the Embassy’s commitment to curbing visa fraud.

“We’ve always had a zero-tolerance policy towards lying and visa fraud, but the Trump administration is determined to ensure that this policy is strictly enforced,” he stated.

He cautioned that relying on self-styled agents claiming to have insider access is both risky and unfounded.

“There are often a lot of people who say, ‘If you pay me money, I can get you a visa.’ That is not true,” he said.

“The visa application process can be done by anyone, on their own. Paying extra money to someone who claims to have an inside track is a lie; they are simply taking your money.”He added.

He revealed that each year, hundreds of applicants contact the Embassy after losing as much as $5,000 to fraudulent operators who ultimately fail to deliver.

“We often work with Canadian law enforcement to track down these fraudsters,” Mr.Fertik added.

To combat the issue, the Embassy is now partnering with Ghanaian security agencies to identify and prosecute those involved in visa-related scams.

He urged applicants to use official channels and to be honest throughout the process.

“So please, if you are interested in applying for a visa, we welcome your application,” he said.

“We appreciate your interest in travelling to the United States, but please do it the right way. Follow our rules, tell the truth, and you will not have any problems with us,” he concluded