BTA2023 Charles Owiredu, former Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister, has cast doubt on whether Ghana’s recent communiqué to foreign embassies and high commissions regarding visa application conditions will receive the necessary attention.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a directive urging embassies and high commissions to provide humane conditions for visa applicants. This move comes in response to growing public complaints about the treatment of Ghanaians seeking visas.
Addressing Visa Application Challenges
The communiqué highlights key concerns, including:
- Inadequate waiting areas for applicants
- Lack of emergency services
- Long appointment waiting times
- Difficulties navigating visa application websites
The Ministry has pledged to monitor the adherence of foreign missions to these directives while respecting their authority in visa issuance.
Skepticism Over Effectiveness
Despite this intervention, Charles Owiredu, who also served as Ghana’s High Commissioner to South Africa, is skeptical about the effectiveness of the diplomatic communication. He believes that a simple Note Verbale may not be sufficient to bring about tangible change.
“The former administration’s approach emphasized direct engagement,” he stated. “Verbally delivering a message does not necessarily resolve the issue, as embassies and consulates operate under the Vienna Convention. A Note Verbale might be acknowledged but not necessarily acted upon. Engagement with diplomatic representatives would have been a more effective solution.”
The Bigger Picture: Ghana’s Migration Trends
The 2024 Afrobarometer report indicates that six out of ten Ghanaians are considering migration to improve their economic prospects. This surge in travel demand has led to an increased reliance on visa application centers and agencies, heightening the risk of applicant mistreatment.
Recognizing these concerns, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has initiated this communiqué as a first step in broader efforts to reform the visa application process and ensure fair treatment for Ghanaians seeking to travel abroad.
