US ambassador to Ghana to meet FAC on visa restrictions

The US ambassador to Ghana, Stephanie S. Sullivan is to appear before the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament to discuss progress on the United States visa restrictions imposed on Ghana.

The US government took the decision after persistence directives to Ghana to issue travel documents to 7,000 Ghanaians detained in the US waiting for deportation failed.

The restriction included Government officials, parliamentarians, and foreign embassy officials working in the US.

Speaking with Joy FM, a ranking member of the Foreign Affairs Committee Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said some interventions have saved the country from further visa restrictions.

He added that the upcoming meeting will clear all outstanding issues.

“I pray that this council will be a council that will be here to stay, and will also not shy away from you in the media to contribute to inform discourse, serving as informed resource personnel that can help shape the debate and elevate the national discussions on matters to do with foreign policies and international relations,”.  He said

He further assures that the matter will be resolved. “I’m optimistic that this matter will be resolved”, he said.

He added that he has met with the Foreign Ministry to discuss the matter and other meetings lined up with the US embassy to listen to their side of the story, and to know what has led to the visa restrictions.

He also said that there has been a commitment from the US embassy to resolve the matter and to get Ghana off the restricted list.

He further said that the retraction that affects those in the legislature and executive is good because he do not want it to escalate to add up to larger sections of society.