Ghanaians Abroad Levied To See President Kufuor

Ghanaians abroad are levied various sums of money by Ghanaian officials before they are allowed to meet with President Kufuor during his visits to their countries of residence. Mr Anthony Rau, a Ghanaian born human rights activist based in Germany, disclosed this at a press conference to highlight ''some inhuman treatment'' being meted out to Ghanaians in Germany! and insensitivity to their plight by the Ghanaian authorities.

He alleged that corruption has eaten into the fabric of the authorities that when President Kufuor went to Germany last year, those allowed to see him paid over 100 Euros each before they could see their own President. Mr Rau also alleged that when the President went to London, those who were allowed to see him were also forced to pay some monies.

He added that when the relevant officials were asked to give reasons for the levies, they were told that the money ''was meant to pay for the arrangement of the meeting'' between the people and government officials. He further alleged that the Ghanaian authorities in Germany collect 30 Euros extra from Ghanaians before passports are issued whereas the former NDC government was issuing it for free.

Mr Rau said no receipts are issued for any of the levies and called on the Foreign Minister to conduct thorough investigations into the matter.