A total of 36,000 Ghanaians were denied U.S. visas in 2024, according to new figures released by the United States Embassy in Accra.
The figure, which represents nearly 60 percent of the 61,000 nonimmigrant visa applications filed during the year, has triggered debate over the fairness of the U.S. visa system, especially regarding its non-refundable application fees.
Speaking during a media engagement in Accra, the U.S. Embassy’s Consular General, Elliot Fertik, revealed that just 25,000 Ghanaians were granted visas to travel to the United States last year.
These approvals covered a range of categories including student, business, temporary worker, and tourism visas.
Applicants collectively paid over $11 million in processing fees—an amount calculated by applying the lowest standard fee of $185 per application across all 61,000 submissions. Some visa types, such as H, L, O, P, Q, and R categories, cost $205, while E-category visas cost as much as $315.
The full sum was paid up front, and no portion is refunded to applicants who are denied visas.
This has led to growing criticism from some members of the Ghanaian public and civil society groups who argue that the U.S. visa process has become excessively commercialised.
Critics contend that the visa system, originally designed for diplomatic and travel facilitation, now functions partly as a revenue-generating mechanism, with the high volume of denials raising questions about transparency and fairness.
Despite these concerns, the steady rise in visa applications reflects a strong desire among Ghanaians to pursue academic, professional, and cultural opportunities in the United States.
Fertik acknowledged this demand and said the embassy remains committed to supporting legitimate travel.
However, with rejection rates at nearly 60% and no refund policy in place, many Ghanaians remain frustrated and financially disadvantaged by a system that guarantees neither access nor recourse.
The debate over visa fairness—particularly in developing countries—continues to intensify as visa applications climb globally.
