The Ghana Embassy in Washington DC, after a shakeup following recent controversies has moved to roll out new measures aimed at providing seamless service and engagements with Ghanaian diaspora and the wider US community.

This development was announced in a statement released by the embassy and signed by the Embassy's Head of Information, Ethel Codjoe Amissah, on July 28, 2025.

The embassy, following recent controversies, has embarked on a massive overhaul since its reopening on May 29, 2025, ushering in a new era of transparency, efficiency, and a renewed commitment to serving the Ghanaian diaspora and the wider US community.

“This renewal extends beyond improved service delivery. The Embassy is implementing a series of reforms designed to strengthen governance, enhance transparency, and restore public confidence,” the statement said.

According to the release, upon reopening, a dedicated team of home-based staff from Ghana swiftly addressed a substantial backlog of over 2,200 visa applications, processing and returning them to applicants within days.

“By mid-July, the Embassy had successfully granted and mailed nearly 10,000 visa applications, showcasing a remarkable acceleration in service delivery,” it added.

To further enhance the applicant experience, it said well-trained client service personnel are now available to provide assistance and streamline scheduling.

Standard visa application processing times have been shortened from seven to five days, with expedited services now available in just two days following approval.

In an attempt to leverage security and modernisation, it has fully embraced the introduction of new chip-embedded passports, printed exclusively in Accra, with a six-week issuance timeline.

While significant progress has been made, the embassy acknowledged that fully restoring its reputation and strengthening ties with Ghanaians abroad requires collective efforts and engagement.

The Embassy's Head of Information, Ethel Codjoe Amissah (Mrs), has emphasised that step by step, the mission is moving forward — reflecting, reviewing, and resetting the legacy of Ghana abroad.

VPO/AE

Read statement below

REFLECT. REVIEW. RESET

A TRANSFORMATIVE VISION FOR THE GHANA EMBASSY IN WASHINGTON, DC

Since reopening its doors to the public on May 29, 2025, the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC has embarked on a bold new chapter—one defined by renewal, transparency, and an unwavering commitment to exemplary service.

With a refreshed team of dedicated home-based staff arriving promptly from Ghana, the Embassy has not only begun clearing backlogs but is actively restoring trust and strengthening connections within the Ghanaian diaspora and the larger US community.

Despite the challenges faced, this reopening marks a pivotal moment in redefining the Mission’s purpose and role. The new team, who had to be deployed at short notice, have displayed remarkable resilience and dedication.

Their mission is clear: to serve Ghana and its citizenry with integrity, efficiency, and respect.

The progress so far speaks volumes:
• A backlog of over 2,200 visa applications was swiftly processed and returned to applicants within days of the Embassy’s reopening.
• By mid-July, nearly 10,000 visa applications had been granted and mailed, a testament to the Embassy’s accelerated pace and renewed focus.
• Well-trained client service personnel are now available to assist with inquiries and scheduling, ensuring a seamless and welcoming experience for all applicants.

This renewal extends beyond improved service delivery. The Embassy is implementing a series of reforms designed to strengthen governance, enhance transparency, and restore public confidence:
• Visa application processing times are being shortened from seven to five days for standard cases and expedited services now require only two days after approvals.
• Honorary Consulates in Houston, Los Angeles, Worcester, Little Rock, and Atlanta have been temporarily suspended pending comprehensive investigations to guarantee the highest standards of accountability.
• Facility upgrades, including a larger, more comfortable waiting area, are underway to improve the applicant experience.
• Plans to renovate the Embassy building itself reflect Ghana’s aspiration to project dignity, pride, and professionalism in all diplomatic engagements.
• Introduction of the new chip-embedded passports printed exclusively in Accra signals a leap forward in security and modernization, with a six-week issuance timeline.

While this marks significant progress, the journey to fully restore the Embassy’s reputation and reforge bonds with Ghanaians abroad requires collective effort and engagement. Our diplomatic mission must continue to operate with transparency, proactive communication, and genuine care—working hand in hand with the diaspora to foster patriotism and pride.

Protecting the welfare and interests of Ghanaians overseas remains a fundamental pillar of Ghana’s foreign policy. Through reflection and decisive action, the Embassy is committed to upholding these values with renewed integrity.

As former U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell famously advised, “Develop our relationship with our people so that in tough times we can work together.” It is with this spirit of partnership and accountability that the Ghana Embassy in Washington, DC steps confidently into a future defined by collaboration, resilience, and renewed diplomatic excellence.

Step by step, the mission moves forward—reflecting, reviewing, and reseting the legacy of Ghana abroad.

Ethel Codjoe Amissah (Mrs.)
Head of Information
Embassy of Ghana, Washington DC
Ethel.codjoeamissah@isd.gov.gh