High Commission issues warning to Ghana fraudsters

Visa applicants who fraudulently attempt to gain entry into the UK by using fictitious and forged documents may face prosecution following a new warning from the British High Commission.

On Wednesday the British High Commissioner in Ghana, Nicholas Westcott, made the announcement during an address to media in Accra where he stated that the practice of submitting forgeries is a criminal activity and therefore will result not only in mere refusal.

Any such offenders, said Westcott, would also be liable for Ghanaian police prosecution before adding that given that penalties for providing false information can be severe any attempts would be foolhardy.

In a three month period from October last year the British High Commission located a total of 349 fraudulent documents which resulted in 243 arrests. However, according to Ghanain President Atta Mills any instances of presenting forged documents in relation to visa applications is merely an act of indiscretion rather than a criminal offence.

The UK Border Agency recently held a media open day in Ghana to showcase the necessary requirements under the visa processing system. Included on the day was a tour of the Labone visa application system run by the British High Commission while attending journalists were taken through the process by which applications were considered and handled by Embassy staff.

The High Commission has reiterated that correct and true documentation would face a far greater chance of success than any forgeries and encouraged openness and honesty for all applicants.