They claim some applicants come with family members, friends, and even pastors.

The center frequently encounters long lines and people waiting outside, often exposed to the sun.

The National Officer of the International Organization for Migration (IOM)-Canadian Visa Application Center, Kojo Wilmot in an interview on Citi FM on Thursday, February 22, acknowledged the concerns about overcrowding.

He said they are working around the clock to improve services.

“We have received a lot of complaints and we keep improving our services. On numerous occasions, the person who made the booking and secured a date will now come with an entourage and when they come, they all want to enter the application center this, in numerous circumstances, results in overcrowding you see because the security person will only allow the person who made the booking to come in for the biometric.

“Secondly, there are people who get an appointment time and then decide to show up early and once your time is not up, we would insist that you wait for your time to be granted entry.

“We advise that there is no need to come to the center with a pastor to help you submit your application or undertake the biometric because, at the end of the day, we have no say in the decision that is taken,” he said.

The centre which was established in collaboration with the China Tourism Group Corporation Limited aims to offer efficient, high-quality services for Ghanaian visa applicants.

This initiative is expected to streamline and expedite the visa application process for individuals planning trips from Ghana to China.

The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Lu Kun stressed the centre’s importance in light of the anticipated rise in Ghanaians showing interest in visiting China.

Mr. Lu said establishing the centre in Accra aligns with international practices, seeking to provide more convenient and exceptional services to visa applicants.

The Ambassador emphasised the potential impact of the centre on fostering bilateral relations between China and Ghana.

He envisioned it as a catalyst for enhancing people-to-people exchanges and further strengthening the ties between the two nations.

“In recent years, under the strategic guidance of the leadership and the joint efforts of President Xi Jinping and President Nana Akufo-Addo, China-Ghana bilateral relations have continued to deepen, founded on mutual trust and close cooperation in various fields,” he said.

Mr Lu also pointed out the thriving economic and trade exchanges with China retaining its role as Ghana’s primary trading partner.

In light of this, the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mavis Nkansah Boadu welcomed the new visa application centre.

Madam Boadu regarded the event as a significant milestone, underscoring the commitment of both countries to reinforcing their bilateral connections.

She emphasised Ghana’s appreciation for strengthening its relations with China and its dedication to promoting increased people-to-people interactions.

The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration acknowledged that the establishment of the centre would not only facilitate tourism but also enhance business collaborations, academic partnerships, and cultural exchanges between China and Ghana.

Madam Boadu also noted that Ghana is introducing a machine-readable visa hardware system to bolster the security of its visa application process.

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