Hassan Ayariga, the Presidential Candidate of the All People’s Congress (APC), has promised to implement a policy that would require embassies to refund 50% of the fees charged to Ghanaian applicants if he is elected President in the 2024 elections.
Speaking during an interview with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Face to Face on Channel One TV, Mr. Ayariga also vowed that his administration would mandate embassies to provide written explanations for visa denials, rather than leaving them without justification.
He acknowledged the embassies’ role but stressed the need for citizens who travel to return home.
“When I become President, I will implement a policy where even if a visa is denied, the embassy must refund 50% of the amount paid.
Additionally, the embassy must provide a specific reason for the denial, rather than just handing over a form saying ‘denied’. That’s unacceptable in a country like ours. Embassies are here to facilitate travel, not to deny visas without explanation.”
He further proposed that visa fees be adjusted according to individuals’ income levels, rather than applying a flat rate, ensuring that the economic realities of Ghanaians are considered.
“Visa fees should be charged in line with the income of Ghanaian citizens, not imposed uniformly. You can’t ask someone earning in cedis to pay $100 as a visa fee when their salaries aren’t even close to that. It doesn’t make sense.”
Mr. Ayariga argued that embassies should quote visa fees in Ghanaian cedis, not in foreign currencies.
