On Saturday, October 28th, 2006, The Ghanaian community and the US based Ghanaian Travel Agencies were invited to the Consulate in New York on the launching of the Consulate General Online Visa Application (E-Visa). The event was attended by H.E Ambassador Christian, Ghana's Ambassador to the UN, Hon. Obeng Gyan-Busia, Consul General, Minister Robert Tachie-Menson and the guests of honor were; Dr. Victor Esien and Dr. Ben Doodo; Philanthropists who contributed immensely towards the entire project, and Dr. Abena Busia. Also in the attended were; Executives of NCOGA and its member associations. Pastor Adu Gyamfi of the Believers Bible Tabernacle (BBT) opened the event with a prayer. In his remarks; Hon. Obeng Gyan-Busia said; When I assumed office as Ghana's Consul-General to the United States, I set for myself three basic goals, namely; To use the new moss of trappings acquired by the office as a bully pulpit to effect changes that will benefit the at-large Ghanaian Community with a lasting impression. Succinctly put, my hope-for objective was to brighten my corner and leave my foot prints in the sand of our times. As I came face to face with the maze of constraints in serving the public outside of the New York Area, in terms of delivery of Visa services, I thought that bringing this office into the computer age will be one smart move to make a lasting impression. Until now, the Consulate has operated as a stone age entity in a twenty first century's technological environment. There was the unenviable scenario of out- of- state applicants calling the Consulate to mail them visa application Forms to be filled at their respective locations, mail them back to us for processing and sending them back to them in the post or through any of the package delivery companies. I found this practice as extremely out of tune with the realities of modern times. Indeed obtaining a Visa from Ghana Consulate was a very daunting experience for applicants outside of the New York Metro Area and this situation was really crying for a very positive change. Undoubtedly, this E-Visa Program that is being launched today has come to correct this anomaly once and for all as it leads us into the computer age" H. E. Obeng Gyan-Busia has historically become a trendsetter in the Online Visa Application (E-Visa) program, the first of its kind in Ghana's Diplomatic Community. A great leader showing an initiative for others to follow deserves a standing ovation and a huge round of applause.(Hip Hip Hip, Hooray). Please be advised that effective TOMORROW OCTOBER 23, 2006, THE GHANA CONSULATE IN NEW YORK IS NO LONGER ACCEPTING PAPER VISA APPLICATION FORMS. All Visa Applications must be filled out on-line at www.ghanaconsulatenewyork.org You would have to print out a receipt which you must submit along with your pictures, fees and other relevant documentation. As per the Consul General, H.E. Obeng Gyan Busia, this is only PHASE 1. The next phase would include a Scanned Picture, Payment Options, as well as e-consulate magazine. Please share this information with all your friends, members, churches, mosques, synagogues, etc. if you know anyone visiting Ghana. This is very important because it simplifies the process. You can fill out the form in the comfort of your home. FOR THOSE WITH NO ON-LINE ACCESS AT HOME, THERE ARE THREE COMPUTERS AT THE CONSULATE AND THE STAFF WOULD BE WILLING TO HELP YOU THROUGH THE PROCESS. THERE IS A FEE OF FIVE DOLLARS FOR THE USE OF THOSE COMPUTERS. You may also register your business, organization or any affiliation you would like the world to know about you on the website. Please pass the information along