Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, has criticized what he described as an unfair practice by some developed countries who, he says, are taking advantage of African youth through high visa application fees.
Speaking during his vetting before Parliament’s Appointments Committee on Friday, July 25, 2025, the Deputy Minister-designate for Foreign Affairs, Mr. James Gyakye Quayson, expressed concern over the high cost of visa applications for young Ghanaians.
He noted that many applicants are required to pay as much as $160 just to apply for a visa, an amount he considers excessive given the economic challenges facing many African countries.
According to Mr. Quayson, despite paying such high fees, an estimated 90 to 95 percent of applicants are denied visas. He argued that this practice has effectively become a hidden means for some foreign embassies to generate revenue and sustain their operations.
“Most of these so-called advanced countries are milking our youth through visa application fees to support their embassies,” Mr. Quayson stated. He explained that these embassies rely heavily on income from visa applications, and not just on funding from their home governments.
The nominee called for a review of policies regarding visa applications, stressing that Ghana’s foreign policy must prioritize the welfare of its citizens.
He assured the Committee that if confirmed, he will work closely with the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to push for changes that will benefit young Ghanaians and prevent them from being unfairly charged for visas they may not receive.
