The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has issued a strong caution to the public against dealing with unauthorised persons or agents in connection with consular and other ministry-related services.
In a statement released on Monday, August 18, the Ministry emphasised its commitment to protecting the integrity of its operations.
It further warned that the use of forged or fraudulent documents constitutes a criminal offence and that such cases would be reported to law enforcement authorities for prosecution.
The Ministry urged citizens to rely solely on its official communication platforms, including the Ministry’s website, verified social media pages, and recognised media outlets, for accurate updates and service procedures.
It stressed that anyone seeking consular assistance must deal directly with designated officers at the Ministry’s headquarters or through Ghana’s accredited missions abroad.
Suspicious activity or suspected fraud, the statement added, should be reported immediately.
As part of efforts to curb fraudulent practices, the Ministry reiterated that no payments should be made to unauthorised individuals under any circumstance.
All official transactions must be carried out in cash only and exclusively with officials from the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department stationed at the Ministry’s premises. Receipts issued at the point of payment must be presented for processing.
The release also included updated information on fees and timelines for the most requested services.
“The attestation and legalisation of documents will cost GH¢200 and take five working days to process. A Travel Certificate is issued within two to three working days at a fee of GH¢200, while a Laissez-Passer attracts the same charge and processing time.
“For document attestation and legalisation, applicants are required to submit original documents verified by the Judicial Service of Ghana along with valid identification, pay the approved fee at the Ministry’s payment point, and attach the receipt to the documents for processing,” the statement noted.
It added, “Travel Certificates require submission of a signed application letter stating the purpose of travel, the bio-data page of a valid or expired passport, two passport-sized photographs, and a flight itinerary, with applicants advised to confirm with their airline that Travel Certificates are accepted for boarding.
“The application for a Laissez-Passer must include a formal letter, parental consent in relevant cases, the vehicle registration number, and proof of identity such as a Ghana Card or passport bio-data page for both applicant and driver.”
Meanwhile, the Ministry has encouraged all Ghanaians, whether at home or abroad, to remain vigilant and follow the proper channels to avoid being defrauded.
“For further information, the public was directed to contact the Consular and Humanitarian Affairs Bureau via telephone on +233 204 552 750 or email at consular@mfa.gov.gh,” it noted.
Reaffirming its zero-tolerance approach to fraud, the Ministry assured citizens of its dedication to efficient, transparent, and client-friendly service delivery.
Source: Adomonline.com
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Read the full statement below:
