Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sabah Zita Benson, has called on Ghanaians living in the UK to engage directly with the Ghana High Commission for all passport, consular and related services, amid ongoing concerns about delays and third party interference.
The High Commissioner’s message comes at a time when many Ghanaians in the diaspora continue to raise issues about long processing times, difficulties in securing appointments and the rising use of intermediaries for passport applications and document processing. Benson stressed that the Commission remains accessible and capable of addressing these concerns when applicants follow the proper procedures.
According to her, engaging unofficial agents or middlemen often complicates processes, increases costs and exposes applicants to potential fraud. She urged members of the Ghanaian community to avoid such channels and instead deal directly with the appropriate departments within the High Commission.
The Ghana High Commission in London is responsible for a wide range of services for citizens abroad, including passport issuance and renewal, visa processing, legalisation of documents, emergency travel certificates and general consular assistance. These services are critical for maintaining the legal identity and mobility of Ghanaians living outside the country.
Over the past few years, Ghana has undertaken reforms aimed at digitising passport services and improving efficiency both locally and abroad. The introduction of online applications, biometric systems and e passport technology has been part of broader efforts to modernise the country’s immigration and identification systems.
Despite these improvements, demand for consular services in the UK remains high due to the large Ghanaian population. The UK hosts one of the biggest Ghanaian diaspora communities globally, making the High Commission a key institution for citizen support and engagement.
Benson emphasized that the Commission has dedicated departments to handle specific issues, and applicants are encouraged to follow official communication channels, including the Commission’s website, verified email addresses and in person appointments where necessary. She noted that clearer communication between applicants and officials can significantly reduce delays and misunderstandings.
Her remarks also highlight a broader issue affecting many African missions abroad, where third party involvement in consular services has become widespread. Such practices often arise from attempts to bypass bureaucratic processes, but authorities warn they frequently lead to exploitation and inefficiency.
The High Commissioner reassured Ghanaians that efforts are ongoing to improve service delivery, streamline procedures and enhance responsiveness to public concerns. She indicated that feedback from the diaspora remains essential in identifying bottlenecks and improving operations at the Commission.
Beyond consular services, the Ghana High Commission in the UK plays an important role in promoting trade, investment and cultural ties between Ghana and the United Kingdom. It also serves as a key point of contact for diaspora engagement, supporting initiatives that connect Ghanaians abroad with opportunities back home.
Benson’s call is therefore not only about improving service delivery but also about rebuilding trust and encouraging a more direct relationship between the diaspora and official institutions. She urged Ghanaians to take advantage of available resources and engage constructively with the Commission to ensure their needs are properly addressed.
As Ghana continues to strengthen its digital systems and diplomatic outreach, authorities believe that closer cooperation between citizens and official missions abroad will be essential in delivering efficient, transparent and reliable consular services.