Seasoned United Kingdom (UK) migration and border management expert, Sara Pownall, has cautioned Ghanaians seeking to travel to the United Kingdom against relying on the false assumption that a sponsor’s letter, invitation, or financial support automatically secures approval.

“A common myth that I come across is that you must have an invitation from somebody in the UK for your application. The application will be denied if a genuine relationship between the applicant and the person sending the invitation letter cannot be established”.

According to her, the application will also be denied if the sponsor is found to have been issuing suspicious numbers of invitation letters within a given period of time or offering invitation letters for sale.

“Do not be tempted by that. It will not influence the outcome of your visa application if you go down that road so, please only use an invitation from somebody that you actually know,” she urged.

Speaking during a UK-Ghana Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) and Shillon Services LTD. webinar on “Myth Busting UK Visa Applications,” Pownall strongly emphasised, “Visa assessments are determined strictly by evidence, credibility, and the applicant’s personal circumstances. Therefore, merely having a sponsor does not guarantee you a visa. What matters is your situation, your finances, and your intentions.”

Ghana visa application statistics and myths – a bleak picture

Ghana continues to record one of the lowest UK visa approval rates in the sub-region.  According to UK Home Office data discussed during the webinar, only around 55% of Ghanaian visit visa applications are approved, compared to over 60% for Nigeria and even higher rates for countries with stronger compliance records.

Pownall attributed part of Ghana’s poor performance to entrenched myths, misinformation on social media, and a general misunderstanding of what UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) looks for.

Some of the most damaging myths discussed during the session included the misconception that applicants do not have to provide personal bank statements if somebody else is paying for the trip.

In debunking this myth, Pownall explained, “it is necessary to provide your bank statements because the visa officer is not just assessing whether you have a reason to go to the UK and whether you can afford to go to the UK, but is also assessing whether you’re going to come back at the end of the time that you’re there.

One of the ways they assess this is looking at your family, social, economic, and financial ties.” Failing to provide bank statements, therefore, weakens your application.

Towards ensuring foolproof applications

Pownall advised applicants to always present clear financial histories with no sudden unexplained deposits; provide documents that accurately match the stated purpose of travel; ensure genuine intent with evidence of return to Ghana; and use accurate, official sources such as the UK Government website and accredited consultants for guidance.

“Gov.UK and UKVI have a lot of information. Follow the guidance and be careful of who you listen to. Just because your friend applied and their visa was issued doesn’t automatically mean that you have to replicate your friend’s situation,”, she said.

Pownall also strongly advised against forging documents as they can lead to bans.

“Don’t be tempted to forge documents at all. And definitely don’t use somebody else’s documents. That can only lead to a ban. And I’ve seen people who’ve been banned for ten years, and so don’t do it. Just don’t do it. Honesty is always your strongest tool.”

The session, moderated by Aliya Ibrahim, Associate at Legal Ink, debunked other visa myths such as the existence of a quota system, explored red flags that trigger refusals, and discussed changes in UK immigration policy affecting travellers.

The UKGCC hosted the webinar as part of its commitment to providing fact-based, accessible information to help Ghanaians navigate the UK visa system with better clarity and higher success rates towards its mission of promoting trade between Ghana and the UK.