Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Warns Citizens Against Fake Immigration Services
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ghana has issued a strong warning to it’s citizens about the dangers of engaging with individuals or intermediaries who provide counterfeit immigration stamps or travel endorsements to fabricate travel histories in passports.
In a statement released yesterday, the Ministry highlighted that it has become aware of several incidents involving Ghanaian nationals overseas who have been apprehended and detained by foreign authorities upon the discovery of forged immigration stamps in their travel documents.
The Ministry emphasized that, tampering with travel records is a serious criminal offense under both Ghanaian law and the legal frameworks of many other countries, potentially leading to severe repercussions such as arrest, prosecution, imprisonment, hefty fines, deportation, and long-term travel restrictions.
Additionally, the Ministry cautioned against individuals masquerading as travel agents or intermediaries, labeling such practices as illegal and warning that they could expose both the agent and the passport holder to significant legal ramifications.
The public is advised to obtain visas and travel documentation exclusively through officially recognized and accredited channels.
The Ministry also encouraged individuals to verify the credentials of any travel consultant before handing over personal documents.
Furthermore, passport holders are reminded that they are personally accountable for the accuracy and integrity of all information within their travel documents at all times.
The Ministry urged Ghanaians living abroad to strictly adhere to the immigration laws of their host countries and to seek assistance from Ghana’s diplomatic missions when necessary.
It reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the welfare of Ghanaian citizens overseas and assured that it will continue collaborating with diplomatic missions and relevant authorities to address these issues and prevent future occurrences.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong