Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, has criticised the high visa application fees charged by foreign embassies in Ghana, describing the practice as exploitative towards citizens of developing countries.
Appearing before 's Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25, 2025 Quayson observed that many advanced countries use visa fees to fund their embassy operations, with most applicants receiving no refund when their applications are rejected. "This is an administrative policy we need to review because I personally believe that many of these so-called advanced countries are milking our people.
A visa is not cheap, just the application form alone costs about $160, which could represent a month or two of wages for some of our youth or labourers.
These embassies are collecting this money, and almost 99 percent of them do not refund it," he stated.
