Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has urged diplomatic missions operating in Ghana to guarantee the respectful and dignified treatment of Ghanaian nationals applying for visas.
Speaking on Thursday, February 27, at a diplomatic event held at the Jubilee House, Mr. Ablakwa said his Ministry has received a tonne of complaints about the unsatisfactory treatment of visa applicants at different embassies and consulates.
“Everyone seeking travel documents should be treated fairly and humanely,” he said.
“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 said.
Mr. Ablakwa also called on embassies to fix issues with online visa application platforms, provide emergency assistance, acceptable appointment hours, and comfortable waiting rooms for visa applicants.
He acknowledged that certain diplomatic offices have significantly improved their procedures, but urged others to do the same to guarantee Ghanaians a smooth and courteous experience.
His comments were a part of a larger speech about Ghana’s foreign policy, which focused on fostering economic diplomacy, bolstering diplomatic alliances, and tackling global issues including food hunger, terrorism, and climate change.
In order to address global concerns, Mr. Ablakwa reiterated Ghana’s dedication to multilateralism and collaboration with international organizations such as the African Union (AU), ECOWAS, and the United Nations (UN).
In order to strengthen diplomatic and commercial ties while defending the rights and dignity of its people, he gave the diplomatic missions his word that Ghana is still amenable to discussion and cooperation.
Source: myjoyonline.com