Australia, Canada and UK unite to launch national campaign against rising Visa fraud in Ghana

A coordinated international campaign has been launched in Ghana as the High Commissions of Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom begin a joint week-long initiative to curb the increasing cases of visa fraud affecting Ghanaians.

Visa-related scams continue to impose heavy financial and emotional burdens on unsuspecting applicants, with fraudulent agents exploiting the desperation of travellers by offering false guarantees and unverified “shortcuts.” Many victims not only lose money but also face long-term visa bans that jeopardise future travel opportunities.

The new awareness effort forms part of a broader global initiative spearheaded by UK Visas & Immigration and supported by partner governments including Australia, Canada and New Zealand. Timed to coincide with International Fraud Awareness Week (16–22 November 2025), the campaign seeks to expose common scam tactics, encourage responsible visa applications, and highlight the importance of using only official government processes.

Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Berenice Owen-Jones, emphasised the need for public vigilance, noting that the global “Fighting Visa Fraud” campaign underscores the dangers of relying on unverified intermediaries. She urged applicants to avoid anyone promising guaranteed approvals.

British High Commissioner Dr. Christian Rogg revealed that in 2024 alone, 1,632 Ghanaian applicants attempted to secure UK visit visas through fraudulent means—representing 4 percent of all applications from Ghana. He cautioned that applicants misled by third parties often end up with decade-long visa bans, stressing that “fraud is never worth the risk.”

Canadian High Commissioner Myriam Montrat reiterated her country’s commitment to securing safe and transparent migration pathways. She said Canada is fully aligned with its international partners in protecting prospective travellers and maintaining the integrity of immigration systems. The campaign, she added, is a key step in ensuring applicants receive accurate and trustworthy information.

Throughout the week, the High Commissions will publish educational content across major social media platforms, offering guidance on identifying legitimate visa channels and avoiding fraudulent schemes. Ghanaians are encouraged to follow campaign activities and updates via the hashtag #AUSCANUKGH.

Australia, Canada, and the UK say they remain committed to safeguarding genuine applicants and ensuring migration processes remain transparent, secure and accessible for all.