In a major development aimed at safeguarding the integrity of the visa application process, the United States Embassy in Ghana has launched a joint initiative with local law enforcement agencies to identify and apprehend individuals who engage in visa fraud and exploit unsuspecting applicants through illegal means.
Speaking at a press conference in Accra, the Consul General of the U.S. Embassy, Mr. Elliot Fertik, delivered a stern warning to the public against patronizing unauthorized intermediaries—commonly referred to as “middlemen” or “fixers”—who promise expedited U.S. visa approvals in exchange for money.
A Widespread Concern
According to Fertik, the embassy received a staggering 61,000 non-immigrant visa applications in the past year, but only 25,000 of those were approved. While some applications were denied for standard procedural reasons, he noted that a growing number of rejections were tied to fraudulent behavior facilitated by self-styled agents who claim to have insider connections at the Embassy.
“Every year, we see hundreds of cases where applicants fall victim to fraudsters who assure them of guaranteed visas after collecting large sums of money,” Fertik said. “Some people lose as much as $5,000 with nothing to show for it.”
Zero Tolerance for Deception
Reiterating the United States’ firm stance against deception in the visa process, Fertik emphasized that both the Embassy and the U.S. government maintain a strict zero-tolerance policy for dishonesty.
“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 warned Ghanaians that there is no such thing as a shortcut when it comes to securing a U.S. visa.
“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 emphasized. “The visa application process can be completed independently. Paying extra money to someone who claims to have an inside track is a lie; they are simply taking your money.”
Collaborative Enforcement
The Consul General revealed that the U.S. Embassy is working closely with the Ghana Police Service and other investigative bodies to track down fraudulent visa agents and middlemen who prey on innocent applicants. In many cases, these scammers create fake documents, fabricate travel histories, or provide false information that ultimately jeopardizes the applicant’s chances of obtaining a visa.
“We often work with Canadian law enforcement to track down these fraudsters,” Fertik revealed. “Many of these criminal networks operate across borders, so we rely on international cooperation to stop them.”
The U.S. Embassy has also increased its internal security measures, including biometric screening, data verification, and in-depth interviews to detect inconsistencies and fraudulent claims.
Public Awareness Campaign
In addition to enforcement, the Embassy is launching an education and awareness campaign to inform the public about the proper visa application process and the risks associated with using unofficial agents.
Fertik urged applicants to use only official channels when applying for a visa and encouraged them to rely on information provided directly by the U.S. Embassy website or verified communication platforms.
“We are here to serve you,” 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.”
A Message to Aspiring Travelers
The Consul General reiterated that visa approval is based on individual merit and the applicant’s ability to demonstrate strong ties to their home country, sufficient financial resources, and a valid reason for travel.
“There are no shortcuts,” Fertik noted. “And anyone promising one is trying to scam you.”
He added that using fraudulent documents or false statements during the application process could result in a permanent ban from entering the United States.
Call for Community Support
Fertik also called on Ghanaians to help fight visa fraud by reporting suspicious individuals or organizations involved in illegal visa dealings. Tips can be submitted anonymously to local police or directly to the U.S. Embassy.
“This is a shared responsibility,” he said. “The more we work together, the more we can protect honest applicants from being exploited.”
Conclusion
With a renewed focus on transparency, law enforcement collaboration, and public education, the U.S. Embassy in Ghana is taking proactive steps to eliminate visa fraud and restore trust in the application process.
As Fertik concluded, “We want more Ghanaians to travel to the United States for business, tourism, and education—but only through legal and honest means. That’s the only way it works.”
