US visa policy not new: says embassy in Accra

10:48 - 25 June 2017

The embassy generated controversy last week when ambassador Robert Jackson told the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament that former presidents, MPs and government officials will have to be physically present for visa interview.

The US embassy in Accra has challenged claims in the Ghanaian media that it has issued out a new visa policy directive.

The embassy further issued a statement clarifying its position on the raging matter.

A press attaché at the US embassy,Sara Veldhuizen Stealy, further clarified to Pulse.com.gh that "everyone must appear for an interview for personal travel."

She continued: "It's not a new policy. We work with former presidents to extend appropriate courtesies to them when they come in."

She further noted her intervention is not t prevent Ghanaians from debating the policy but said:"I want to be sure they have accurate information about what they're debating."

The US embassy in an earlier statement said they have "procedures" in place to ensure that "the appropriate courtesies are extended" to former presidents.