- Ghanaians advised not to use visa agents when applying for U.S. visas
- Only official U.S. Embassy website should be used for visa applications and guidance
- This is a common reason for visa denials
The Consul General at the United States Embassy in Ghana, Mr. Elliot Fertik, has urged Ghanaians planning to travel to the U.S. to avoid relying on so-called visa agents or consultants, warning that such intermediaries often mislead applicants and reduce their chances of approval.
Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Tuesday, June 24, Mr. Fertik expressed concern over the rising number of applicants who fall prey to fraudulent agents or unknowingly submit incorrect or incomplete information.
“The visa application process is something individuals can do on their own,” he said. “These so-called ‘fixers’ claim to have influence within the Embassy and demand thousands of dollars, promising guaranteed approvals. Let me be clear—they’re lying. They are scamming you.”
Mr. Fertik highlighted that many U.S. visa denials in Ghana are linked to third-party involvement, which often leads to errors or misinformation in applications.
He stressed that the only legitimate and trusted way to apply for a U.S. visa is through the official U.S. Embassy website, where detailed guidance, support contact information, and official forms are available.
“If you need help, our website provides phone numbers and email addresses you can use. You don’t need to pay someone to do this for you,” he added.
His warning comes amid growing concerns over visa fraud and the exploitation of hopeful applicants by individuals falsely claiming to guarantee approvals in exchange for large sums of money.
Mr. Fertik strongly encouraged the public to consult only the U.S. Embassy’s official resources for accurate information and safe application processes.
