News
U.S. Visa: 61,000 applied in Ghana, only 25,000 approved in 2024
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.
myjoyonline.com
Energy
See The Areas That Will Be Affected By Power Outages On June 4
The Electricity Company of Ghana (ECG) has announced multiple power outages for Thursday, June 4, 2026, affecting communities in the Tema, Eastern, Central, and Western Regions, with a combination of planned and emergency maintenance exercises scheduled across the country.
In the Tema Area, a planned maintenance exercise will take place from 10:00 am to 4:00pm. The affected areas include the Sea Water Desalination Plant, Maranatha, Buade, Glow Lamp, Frimpongmaa Estates, Abrantie, Dan Adams, Coastal Estates, Basket, GCB Training School, Ataa Adama, Royal Ravico, Junction Mall, Regimanuel Estates, Parakuo Estates, Queensland International School, Kpoo Keke, Best Western Premier Hotel, Leisure Hours Hotel, and extensive parts of Nungua including Zongo, Township, Traditional Council, Polyclinic and Secondary School. Also affected are the Kpeshie Divisional Police Headquarters, Coco Beach, Main 1, Father’s Hotel, C5 and surrounding areas. The notice was originally issued on Monday, June 1.
In the Eastern Region, a planned maintenance exercise will run from 8:00am to 5:00pm, affecting Sekesua, Anyamoni, Oterkpolu, Bukonor, Asesewa, Akateng and surrounding areas. This notice was originally issued on Tuesday, 2nd June.
The Central Region will experience a planned outage from 9:00am to 3:30pm, affecting Brimso Headworks, Akaikrom, Police Barrier, Ankaful Junction, Mpeasem, WAEC, Yayaaikawa, Wanyiwato, part of Dominase, Duakyimase and surrounding areas.
In the Western Region, ECG will undertake two separate exercises. The first is an emergency maintenance from 10:00am to 2:00pm, affecting Dixcove, Busua, Cape 3, Agona Damtsi, GREL and surrounding areas. The second is another emergency maintenance from 9:00am to 4:00pm, affecting Akoon, UEE, parts of Market Circle, Railway Quarters, Apinto Hospital, Cyanide, Kwabedu, Alhaji Dauda, New Atuabo, Budo City, Banso, Esuosu and surrounding areas.
ECG has expressed regret for the inconvenience that will arise from all these exercises. The company has advised affected customers to make alternative arrangements for power-dependent activities during the specified hours.
All notices were originally issued between Monday, June 1 and Wednesday, June 3, 2026. ECG assured that power supply would be restored to all affected areas upon completion of the scheduled maintenance works. Customers have been encouraged to contact ECG’s official communication channels for further updates.
graphic.com.gh
General News
Today’s Newspaper Headlines: Thursday, 4th June, 2026
General News
Assin Edubiase: School Bus ‘Plunges’ Into River, Two Pupils Killed
Tragedy struck when a school bus transporting more than 40 pupils of a preparatory school at Assin Edubiase in the Assin South District of the Central Region veered off the road and plunged into a river.
It resulted in the death of two kindergarten pupils of the Alice Elites Academy.
The deceased, a three-year-old and a five-year-old, were among pupils who were in the Mercedes-Benz Sprinter bus with registration number AS 2218-20.
The accident occurred on the Assin Kwafokrom-Homaho stretch on Monday [June 1, 2026].

Graphic Online understands that the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle, it veered off the road, and plunged into the river.
Dozens of pupils got injured.
ASP Wonder Lumor from the Motor Traffic and Transport Department (MTTD) of the Central North Regional Police Command told Graphic Online that the 40 injured pupils were transported to health facilities for emergency medical care.

According to him, 22 of the victims were taken to the St. Francis Xavier Hospital, while the 18 others received treatment at the Assin Edubiase Health Centre.
ASP Lumor explained that all the injured pupils responded positively to treatment and were later discharged.
graphic.com.gh
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