Ghanaians seeking to travel to the United States have been strongly advised not to rely on visa agents or consultants, as they often mislead applicants and significantly reduce their chances of visa approval.
This warning was issued by Mr. Elliot Fertik, the Consul General at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, during a public interview on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. He expressed deep concern over the increasing number of visa applicants who fall prey to fraudulent third-party agents promising guaranteed U.S. visa approvals in exchange for high fees.
“Let me be clear—they are lying. They are ripping you off. It is probably not legitimate,” Mr. Fertik stated bluntly.
According to him, many applicants are misled into believing that these so-called visa agents have special connections within the embassy and can influence the outcome of their applications. This false belief, he said, has become one of the leading causes of visa denials in Ghana.
Mr. Fertik explained that these intermediaries often fill out application forms on behalf of their clients with incorrect or incomplete information, which leads to automatic disqualification. In some cases, fake or altered documents are submitted—whether the applicant is aware of it or not—which constitutes fraud and may lead to long-term visa bans.
He stressed that the U.S. visa application process is entirely self-managed and transparent, and that any Ghanaian with basic internet access can complete the process themselves.
“You can do it on our website,” he said. “There are also phone numbers and email addresses listed where you can get help directly from embassy staff.”
The Consul General noted that the U.S. Embassy has been actively educating the public on this issue and encourages all prospective travelers to rely solely on the embassy’s official communication channels and website for guidance.
His remarks come amidst a growing number of reports involving visa scams, in which desperate applicants are charged thousands of cedis by so-called consultants who offer no real service and ultimately sabotage their applications.
Mr. Fertik advised all prospective U.S. visa applicants to take personal responsibility for their applications and to double-check all requirements directly from official sources, especially as misinformation from agents continues to contribute to high refusal rates in Ghana.