By Prince Ahenkorah
The High Commissions of Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom in Ghana have launched a joint one-week public awareness campaign aimed at tackling the rising threat of visa fraud in the country.
The initiative forms part of a broader global effort led by UK Visas & Immigration and supported by partner countries, including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.
Visa fraud has increasingly affected Ghanaians, with unscrupulous agents and misinformation causing financial losses, emotional distress, and long-term travel restrictions.
The campaign, which coincides with International Fraud Awareness Week, 16–22 November 2025, seeks to educate the public about the dangers of visa scams, promote safe application practices, and encourage applicants to use official government channels.
Bernice Owen-Jones, Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, stressed the importance of vigilance.
She said, “Australia is proud to stand with our international partners to combat visa fraud. The Fighting Visa Fraud campaign sends a clear message: if you are applying for a visa, always use trusted, official sources and beware of anyone promising shortcuts or guaranteed results.”
Highlighting the scale of the problem, Dr Christian Rogg, British High Commissioner to Ghana, revealed that in 2024, 1,632 Ghanaians attempted to use fraudulent means to obtain UK visit visas. While this accounted for only 4% of all applicants, many were misled by agents and faced a 10-year visa ban. “Fraud is never worth the risk,” he said.
Myriam Montrat, Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, added, “Canada is committed to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration, and we are taking decisive steps to stop fraudulent practices that put applicants at risk. We are proud to collaborate on the ‘Fighting Visa Fraud Together’ campaign with Australia and the United Kingdom to protect applicants, strengthen the integrity of our immigration systems, and ensure access to reliable information.”
The three countries emphasized their commitment to safeguarding genuine applicants and ensuring that visa processes remain transparent, secure, and accessible to all Ghanaians.