Ghana takes a significant stride towards enhanced consular services by proudly unveiling a dedicated visa and passport application centre in Berlin. This state-of-the-art centre is designed to cater to the diverse needs of both Ghanaian citizens and non-citizens planning visits to the West African nation from Germany.
The introduction of the Premium Application Centre (PAC) for Visas and Passports marks a significant step forward in delivering superior services to both Ghanaians and non-Ghanaians residing in Germany. This innovative initiative aims to enhance the consular services provided by the Embassy in Berlin and the Consulate in Hamburg.
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The PAC is set to redefine the experience of visa and passport applications, fostering efficiency and convenience while upholding the commitment to delivering top-tier consular services. By establishing this dedicated center, Ghana seeks to create a hub of excellence that not only serves the immediate needs of its community but also reflects the nation’s ongoing dedication to elevating diplomatic interactions on the global stage.
Recently inaugurated by Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, the Berlin PAC represents the second of its kind. This follows the successful establishment of a comparable facility in London in 2022.
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During the opening ceremony, Mr. Ampratwum-Sarpong stressed that the PAC represents a noteworthy stride by the ministry to bring passport and visa services delivery closer to both Ghanaians and foreign visitors.
“It promises a more efficient and comprehensive process for passport and visa application, providing a streamlined experience for compatriots and applicants of other nationalities,” he said.
“It is heartwarming to note that this month of November 2023 marks the first anniversary of the opening of the London PAC; and I am happy to say that the commendable services provided by the PAC over the past year and the lessons learnt in the process contributed largely towards the decision to proceed with the existing plan of gradually opening more Premium Centres to complement the services of selected Ghana Embassies and Consulates,” he added.
The PAC initiative, a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and Access Group under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, garnered praise from Ghana’s Ambassador to Germany, Gina Blay. In her remarks, she expressed profound appreciation to Mr. Ampratwum-Sarpong for his tireless efforts in establishing the PAC in Berlin. She encourages the Ghanaian community in Germany to make use of its services.
Ambassador Blay highlighted the positive impact of the PAC, enabling the embassy to streamline the back-end aspects of the application process. She emphasized that this operational shift would facilitate the processing of a greater number of applications.
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Nidal Kamouni, CEO of Access Group, underscored the partnership’s goal to enhance the passport and visa application experience, ultimately reducing the workload on the embassy. This strategic collaboration allows the embassy to allocate more resources to crucial decision-making processes.