Foreign Affairs Ministry Assures Public of Cleaner, Digital Attestation Services
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy towards middlemen and third-party facilitators in the acquisition of attestation documents, following an undercover investigation by The Fourth Estate that exposed alleged irregularities in the process.
The Ministry said it was committed to maintaining high standards of integrity, transparency and ethical service delivery, while assuring the public that measures were being implemented to protect citizens from individuals who exploit applicants seeking attestation services.
In a statement issued by the ministry on Thursday in response to the report published on September 2, 2026, the Ministry commended The Fourth Estate for its investigative work and its contribution to public accountability and improved service delivery.
The Ministry’s Management condemned the activities of unscrupulous middlemen who, it said, had no official connection to the Ministry but took advantage of vulnerable citizens.
It disclosed that the individual implicated in the investigation was not a staff member of the Ministry. Following a report on the investigation, the individual had been sanctioned by his respective institution and referred to law enforcement authorities for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Ministry has also prohibited the individual from entering its premises.
“The Ministry maintains a zero-tolerance policy on middlemen or third-party facilitators in the acquisition of attestation documents,” the statement said, stressing that citizens should deal directly with the authorised institutions involved in the process.
The Ministry explained that attestation involves several institutions across different arms of government, making coordination among the institutions necessary to protect the credibility of the service.
It said efforts to strengthen coordination and integrity across the institutions had been ongoing for several months, even before the publication of the investigative report.
The Ministry also revealed that it had already begun comprehensive reforms of its consular and attestation services, including plans to make payments fully cashless and introduce digital platforms for the entire attestation process.
According to the Ministry, the reforms are expected to reduce human interaction, limit opportunities for abuse and make the service more efficient and transparent.
“We are confident that these reforms will produce desirable outcomes similar to what we have achieved with Passport Administration in Ghana,” it stated.
The Ministry further clarified that the officially approved fee for attestation is GH¢200, which is collected by officials of the Controller and Accountant General’s Department. Applicants are issued official receipts for payments made.
It warned the public against paying additional fees to intermediaries or engaging individuals who claim they can facilitate the attestation process.
“No one should engage the services of middlemen. It is strictly illegal,” it added.
The Ministry urged anyone with information, enquiries or complaints concerning attestation services to contact it on 024 091 3284 or 024 079 3072, or email info@mfa.gov.gh.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
