Gov?t To Issue Diaspora Visas

The government is considering the issuance of Diaspora visas that will allow the payment of visa fees by people from the Diaspora only on first visit with subsequent visits free of charge.

Alhaji Aliu Mahama, the Vice-President, disclosed this at a colourful durbar of chiefs, queen mothers and artistes held at the Adisadel School park as part of activieis marking this year's Pan African Historical Theatre Festival (PANAFEST).

Alhaji Mahama explained that making it easier for people from the diaspora to visit the country was the reason for the incorporation in the Ghana Immigration Act, a provision for the "Right of Abode."

He said government was committed to making sure that the festival was institutionalized as part of the national calendar of events. Alhaji Mahama called for support from other African countries in the organisation of the event. "Although this is an event hosted by Ghana, it is a product of the entire African family and therefore deserves support from other African countries in the organisation of the event."

The Vice-President called for the mobilization of resources among Africans and their counterparts in the diaspora to address the problem of HIV/AIDS on the continent. The vice president was impressed that the celebration had provided a platform for dialogue and exchange of ideas, development strategies and agreement on concrete action plans to address the problem of HIV/AIDS.

He called on Africans and African Americans to place value on themselves as Africans and also have the confidence in their ability to perform their responsibilities with the highest level of quality and standards of perfection.