We?re Sole Authority To Issue Visas ? German Embassy

The German Embassy in Ghana says it is the sole authority to announce the modalities for the acquisition of visas for next year?s World Cup to be hosted by it country.

In reaction to a press statement by the Ministry of Education and Sports, the German Ambassador, Mr Peter Linder, said much as the embassy appreciated the efforts by the ministry to prevent people from taking advantage of others in their quest to attend next year?s World Cup, it would be wrong for people to think that the process of acquiring visas would change.

?I would like to state that the only authority to announce the modalities for visa acquisition to Germany remains the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany in Accra,? the Ambassador said in a statement issued in Accra.

He also emphasised that ?The visa requirements and procedures will not be different from the current requirements and procedures, which can be found on the Germany Embassy?s website.?

Mr Linder said his country was proud to host the 2006 World Cup and his outfit was ready to handle the usual large request for visas from Ghanaian fans in connection with the Black Stars historic and triumphant qualification.

?Of course, the embassy will take care of this large number of possible travellers with special interest internal arrangements.

?However, the Embassy will have to follow the legal procedures and the general rules,? he assured.

Yesterday, the Education and Sports Ministry warned that it had not appointed any agents to handle visa issues with regard to the World Cup.

The ministry, in the statement, said it would, in co-operation with the Ghana Football Association, came out with the modalities in the acquisition of visas for the 2006 World Cup.