The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called on officials of Diplomatic Missions in Ghana to ensure that Ghanaian nationals applying for visas are treated with dignity and respect.
Addressing a diplomatic gathering at Jubilee House on Thursday, 27th February, Mr Ablakwa revealed that his Ministry has received numerous complaints regarding the poor treatment of visa applicants at various embassies and consulates.
He stressed that all individuals seeking travel documents must be accorded fair and humane treatment.
“We would like to entreat all Diplomatic Missions in Ghana to ensure that they treat our nationals who visit their premises in pursuit of their visa applications with dignity and respect,” he stated.
He further urged embassies to enhance conditions for applicants by providing suitable waiting areas, reasonable appointment schedules, emergency services, and resolving challenges with online visa application systems.
While acknowledging that some diplomatic missions had made commendable progress in improving their procedures, Mr Ablakwa encouraged others to adopt similar measures to ensure a seamless and dignified experience for Ghanaians.
The Foreign Affairs Minister’s remarks formed part of a broader address on Ghana’s foreign policy, which underscored the importance of strengthening international partnerships, advancing economic diplomacy, and addressing global challenges such as climate change, terrorism, and food insecurity.
Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to multilateralism, he assured Diplomatic Missions of the country’s willingness to engage in dialogue and collaboration to deepen diplomatic and economic ties while safeguarding the rights and dignity of its citizens.
