The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has raised concern over visa processing delays at the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C., saying that the situation is harming tourism and straining member businesses.
In a statement, TOUGHA President Yvonne Donkor said numerous passports submitted for visa issuance have not been returned for weeks, leaving travellers, many with long-standing plans, uncertain and frustrated.
“Over the past several weeks, an alarming number of passports submitted for visa processing at the Ghana Embassy in Washington, D.C. have reportedly remained unreturned.
“Travellers, many of whom have long-standing plans to visit Ghana for cultural heritage, tourism, business and family purposes, are left in limbo, uncertain about travel dates, unable to retrieve their passports, and deeply frustrated by the lack of clear communication”, the statement said.
The delay, which coincide with the summer travel peak and the “Back to Africa” heritage movement, is causing “massive tour cancellations, financial losses, and reputational damage to Ghanaian tour operators,” the association stated.
“Ghana has earned a reputation as a leading heritage tourism destination, especially for the African American community and diaspora,” she stated.
She therefore urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to urgently address the backlog, improve communication with affected applicants, and establish a task force to fast-track processing for those with imminent travel dates.
She stressed that Ghana’s image as a leading heritage tourism destination is at risk and reiterated TOUGHA’s commitment to promoting Ghana as an accessible and welcoming country.
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