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

Published

1 week ago

May 9, 2025

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

Related Topics:Ghana Travel US Embassy US Embassy in Ghana

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JUST IN: Two New Mpox Cases Confirmed in Accra

Published

1 day ago

May 15, 2025

AladdynKing

Health authorities have confirmed two new Mpox cases in the Accra Metropolitan Area of the Greater Accra Region. These are the first confirmed infections reported in Ghana this year.

In response, the Ghana Health Service (GHS) has instructed all regional health directors to reactivate their Public Health Emergency Operations Centres. They have also been directed to intensify surveillance, risk communication, and case management efforts nationwide.

The two cases are unrelated and were both detected at a healthcare facility. Contact tracing is underway, and the patients are currently under close monitoring to prevent further transmission.

Ghana’s Mpox outbreak began on June 8, 2022, with five initial cases. By November 2023, 34 confirmed cases had been recorded. Before this outbreak, Mpox was not considered endemic in Ghana.

In a circular signed by the Director-General, the GHS called for a renewed and coordinated national response, emphasizing the need for enhanced detection and containment strategies.

Mpox is a viral disease similar to smallpox, characterized by fever, swollen lymph nodes, and a rash. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s skin, bodily fluids, or during sexual contact. Symptoms include fever, rash or lesions, fatigue, headaches, muscle and back pain, and swollen glands.

Across Africa, Mpox remains a serious public health issue. As of March 2025, over 24,200 cases and approximately 260 deaths have been reported in 22 countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo has been the most affected, accounting for the majority of cases and fatalities.

Job & Scholarships

Job Vacancies: Wednesday, 14th May, 2025

Published

2 days ago

May 14, 2025

AladdynKing

Vacancy 1

Job vacancy Tarkwa
Someone need hairdresser work and pay.
Accomodation is available for anyone from afar .
Location ; Akoon Crossing
Call if interested 0548611405

Vacancy 2

Tarkwa vacancy
A nice barbering shop in Tarkwa need a good barber to work with.
Accomodation is available for anyone from afar.
Call now 0555565601

Vacancy 3

Factory boys and girls needed
Salary is 1000 cedis plus feeding
Location: Kumasi abuakwa and Tanoso with free accommodation

Contact: 0240135649

News

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi Charged Over Unexecuted $2 Million Sky Train Deal

Published

3 days ago

May 13, 2025

AladdynKing

Professor Christopher Ameyaw-Akumfi, former Board Chair of the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), has been formally charged with conspiracy to commit a crime—specifically, wilfully causing financial loss to the state.

The charges, filed under Sections 23(1) and 179A(3)(a) of the Criminal Offences Act, 1960 (Act 29), are linked to a $2 million payment made in 2019 to Africa Investor Holdings Limited for the development of an urban Sky Train system in Accra—a project that never came to fruition.

Court documents reveal that the funds were released in February 2019 without proper board authorization for either the share acquisition or the disbursement. As the funds belonged to GIIF, a state-owned entity, their unauthorized release has sparked legal action.

Investigations indicate that due process was not followed. Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi, named as the second accused, told investigators in his caution statement that he approved the payment on the advice of the first accused, Solomon Asamoah, who served as Chief Executive Officer of GIIF at the time.

However, neither Ameyaw-Akumfi nor Asamoah has been able to explain the whereabouts of the funds.

Prof. Ameyaw-Akumfi was recently arrested in connection with the failed Sky Train agreement, which was initially touted as a transformative urban transport solution for Accra. The proposed elevated light rail system was intended to ease traffic congestion in the capital and other major cities.

The project was to be executed through a public-private partnership between the Government of Ghana and Africa Investment (PTY) Limited, a South Africa-based firm that was expected to provide funding, technology, and infrastructure. Despite the substantial initial payment, the project never advanced beyond the planning stage.