Ministry of Foreign Affairs cautions public against making payments through unauthorized third parties
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has urged the public to be vigilant against misinformation and fraudulent activities targeting its consular services.
This according to the Ministry, is a part of its commitment to protecting the integrity of its operations and safeguarding the public.
In a statement dated August 18, the Ministry cautioned individuals against relying on unverified information or engaging with unauthorized agents or intermediaries for any matters related to its services, and also emphasized that submitting forged or fraudulent documents to the Ministry for processing is a criminal offence that will be reported to law enforcement authorities for prosecution.
“To ensure your safety and the proper delivery of services, always verify information through our official channels and deal directly with designated officers,” part of the statement read.
The statement also pointed out that official information and service updates are published exclusively on the Ministry’s website, accredited print and electronic media, and verified social media platforms, while urging the pubic to immediately report any suspicious activity or suspected fraud to the Ministry or the nearest Ghanaian Mission abroad.
Alongside the fraud warning, the Ministry further provided detailed clarification on procedures and fees for specific consular services processed at its Accra headquarters.
Persons seeking attestation or legalization of documents must submit original documents verified by the Judicial Service, along with valid ID, to the Consular and Humanitarian Affairs Bureau, and a GH¢200.00, payable in cash only at the designated Ministry payment point to an official from the Controller and Accountant-General’s Department.
According to the statement, individuals seeking travel certificates for urgent travel when a passport is unavailable, must submit the biodata page of any valid or expired passport, two recent passport photos, a flight itinerary, and a signed application letter stating the travel purpose. A GH¢200.00 fee payable in cash at the designated Ministry payment point is also required.
Applicants requesting a Laissez-Passers (Vehicle Cross-Border Permits) need to submit an application letter, the vehicle registration number, the applicant’s Ghana Card or passport biodata page, and the driver’s passport biodata page, together with a standard GH¢200.00 fee is paid in cash at the Ministry’s designated payment point.
“Under no circumstances should members of the public make payments to unauthorized individuals,” the Ministry stated, urging that any demands for extra payment or suspicious activities should be reported immediately through official Ministry channels.
See Full Statement Below:
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