General News of Thursday, 11 June 2026

Source: www.ghanaweb.com

Ras Mubarak blasts political class over US birth tourism

Ras Mubarak is a former MP for Kumbungu Ras Mubarak is a former MP for Kumbungu

Former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu, Ras Mubarak, has backed the United States government's move to clamp down on birth tourism, describing the practice by public officials as wrong and unpatriotic.

His comments come after the US Department of State announced measures to stop foreigners from using visitor visas primarily to give birth in the United States to secure American citizenship for their children.

In a statement on June 10, 2026, the department said it was defending the integrity of US citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes.

See the 30 Ghanaians facing deportation from the US over fraud and other crimes

"Under President Trump, the State Department is defending the integrity of US citizenship by ending illegal birth tourism schemes. No foreigner is permitted to obtain a visitor visa for the primary purpose of acquiring US citizenship for a child by giving birth in the US.

“... A US visa is a privilege, not a right. The State Department is taking action around the world to stop this abuse, dismantle birth tourism networks, and hold accountable those who try to scam our system," part of the statement said.

Reacting to the development on Facebook on June 10, 2026, Ras Mubarak said authorities in the United States could easily identify people who travel there mainly to secure citizenship for their children.

"They can read between the lines and see through the scam of health tourism, especially 'baby deliveries' to secure American citizenship," he said.

He questioned why public officials and political leaders who have succeeded in their careers in Africa would feel the need to seek foreign citizenship opportunities for their children.

"If one can 'make it' here in Africa, rise to become an MP, Minister, Senior public servant or government appointee, what could make one think that a child born between the 2000s and now has a lesser chance of making it here, for which reason they NEED to have their babies in America and secure American citizenship?" he asked.

Ras Mubarak said the practice reflects a lack of confidence in African countries by some members of the political class.

"Is that how little faith the political class has in our own countries? Zero principle, zero sense of patriotism," he stated.

The former lawmaker also cited his personal experience, saying all six of his children were born in Ghana, including some in public hospitals.

"I always say this with pride- all six of my brilliant and healthy kids were born here, and some in government hospitals, delivered by Ghanaian doctors and nurses. When I served in government, I couldn't even bring myself to doing private hospital, not because I couldn't afford, but what would be the message to the many, the masses through whose sweat and tears I got paid as an appointee," he said.

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He called for a new generation of leaders who place national interest above personal benefits.

"Africa needs a new breed of patriotic and principled public servants. If private individuals want to have their babies abroad, that's their business. But for public officials paid by the taxpayer, it is downright wrong," he added.

Read his post below:



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