The Consul General of the United States Embassy in Ghana, Mr. Elliot Fertik, has issued a strong warning to Ghanaians seeking to travel to the United States, urging them to avoid using visa agents or self-styled consultants. He cautioned that relying on these third parties often leads to visa denials and misinformation.

Speaking on Joy FM on Tuesday, June 24, Mr. Fertik expressed concern over the rising number of applicants who fall victim to fraudulent intermediaries or end up submitting inaccurate documentation due to third-party interference.

“The visa application process is something you can do by yourself,” Mr. Fertik stated. “Visa fixers claim to have influence and demand thousands of dollars, promising guaranteed approval because they know someone inside the Embassy. Let me be clear — they are lying and ripping you off. It is not legitimate.”

He noted that visa refusals in Ghana have become increasingly common, primarily because many applicants rely on unverified agents who provide misleading or incomplete information.

Mr. Fertik stressed that the only official and reliable way to apply for a U.S. visa is through the embassy’s website. He advised applicants to read the instructions carefully and to use the contact information provided on the site if they need assistance.

“You can do it on our website,” he said. “There are phone numbers and email addresses available to help if you encounter difficulties.”

His remarks come amid growing reports of visa-related scams and the exploitation of hopeful travelers by individuals who charge exorbitant fees under false promises of guaranteed visa approvals.

Mr. Fertik urged all prospective travelers to avoid third-party involvement and to seek information and assistance only through the U.S. Embassy’s official website and communication channels.