Visa Sanctions: US Action Without Justifications – The Government

General News of Saturday, February 2, 2019

Source: Myjoyonline.com

2019-02-02

The government said the US government's allegations of non-cooperation regarding the expulsion of some Ghanaians, resulting in Ghana's sanction for obtaining a visa, are unfounded.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he has always cooperated and engaged US authorities in the treatment and removal of Ghanaians from the United States.

In a statement released Friday, the ministry said it took note "with concern and disappointment of the US decision to impose visa penalties in Ghana for alleged lack of cooperation in the acceptance of Ghanaian nationals who have been expelled from the United States. "

According to the terms, "in accordance with the requirements and international law, the Embbady of Ghana in Washington DC is implementing identification and verification processes to ensure that all persons designated for deportation to Ghana are honest citizens of Ghana ".

The ministry revealed that as of January 8, 2019, its Washington mission had received 28 requests from US authorities, of which 19 had been interviewed by the embbady and 11 travel certificates issued for their trip to Ghana. He said the people in suspense had doubts about their Ghanaian nationality, their state of health and their interest in a lawsuit in US courts.

"Officials from the US Embbady verbally informed the ministry that there were about 7,000 Ghanaians who were at various stages of the deportation proceedings. However, the United States has not confirmed any information. to the US authorities a final judicial decision for their elimination, in accordance with US laws, "

The ministry expressed concern over cases of deportations of Ghanaian nationals and that the country had reason to complain about the manner in which people were taken back home "in shackles and handcuffed to their headquarters in the country. # 39; air. "

As a result, he urged the US government to recognize and ensure that deportation processes are consistent with international best practices and national laws, and that they respect the dignity of individuals. involved at any time, including those convicted of crimes.

"It is therefore surprising that the US authorities ignore the international eviction protocols and invoke allegations of a lack of cooperation from Ghana.

"The ministry wants to declare that these allegations are unfounded and that the sanctions imposed on Ghana are without any justification," he said.

The ministry said it was badessing the situation and putting in place appropriate measures in the context of international law and bilateral relations between Ghana and the United States, when the time comes.