Australia, Canada and UK High Commission in Ghana unite to combat visa fraud

• Posted on November 17, 2025November 17, 2025
• by Nana Kwesi Coomson
• Comment

The High Commissions of Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom in Ghana have joined forces to launch a one-week public awareness campaign aimed at tackling the growing threat of visa fraud. 

Visa fraud continues to affect many Ghanaians, with fraudulent agents and misinformation leading to financial loss, emotional distress, and long-term travel restrictions. 

This initiative is part of a wider global effort led by UK Visas & Immigration, and supported by partner countries including Australia, Canada, and New Zealand. 

The campaign coincides with International Fraud Awareness Week (16–22 November 2025) and seeks to educate the public on the dangers of visa scams, promote safe application practices, and encourage the use of official government channels. 

“Australia is proud to stand with our international partners to combat visa fraud. The Fighting Visa Fraud campaign sends a clear message — if you are applying for a visa, always use trusted, official sources and beware of anyone promising shortcuts or guaranteed results,” said H.E. Berenice Owen-Jones, Australian High Commissioner to Ghana. 

“In 2024, 1,632 applicants from Ghana used fraudulent means when applying for UK visit visas. While that represents only 4% of all Ghanaian applicants, it is still far too many people misled by agents into taking an action that resulted in a 10-year visa ban. Fraud is never worth the risk”, Dr Christian Rogg, British High Commissioner to Ghana, added. 

“Canada remains firmly committed to promoting safe, orderly and regular migration, and we are taking decisive steps to stop fraudulent practices that put applicants at risk.

“We are proud to collaborate on the ‘Fighting Visa Fraud Together’ campaign with Australia and the United Kingdom, reflecting our shared commitment to protect applicants, strengthen the integrity of our immigration systems, and ensure that people have access to accurate, reliable and trustworthy information,” added Myriam Montrat, Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana. 

The three countries are committed to protecting genuine applicants and ensuring that visa processes remain transparent, secure, and accessible to all Ghanaians. 

Throughout the campaign, the High Commissions will share educational content across social media platforms. The public is encouraged to follow the campaign using the hashtag #AUSCANUKGH.