Angry Ghanaian Surgeon’s letter to the Spanish Embassy

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All-Die-Be -Die 10 years ago

you lack credibility

you lack credibility
Joe Turkey 10 years ago

I can't agree with you any stronger. Is this an "official" rejoinder from the Spanish Embassy? Have they hired some idiot to write this on their behalf. Why would Ghanaweb accept to publish this diatribe under an anonymity? W ...
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I can't agree with you any stronger. Is this an "official" rejoinder from the Spanish Embassy? Have they hired some idiot to write this on their behalf. Why would Ghanaweb accept to publish this diatribe under an anonymity? Would this have been done in the print media. I stop to say that some of these so-called greener pastures are not as green as they think they are. It is very unprofessional and undiplomatic to deny professionals from attending conferences. My friend has just gotten his American visa to attend a conference in Hawaii. And this is a conference having to do with languages.
Yaw Kyere, NY 10 years ago

I WONDER IF ANY GHANAIAN WOULD HAVE TIME TO WRITE SUCH A DETAILED AND ELABORATE PIECE DEFENDING THE SPANISH EMBASSY. THIS JUST LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING FRESH FROM THE SPANISH EMBASSY.

SOMETIMES, IT IS NOT THE REFUSAL AT THE VI ...
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I WONDER IF ANY GHANAIAN WOULD HAVE TIME TO WRITE SUCH A DETAILED AND ELABORATE PIECE DEFENDING THE SPANISH EMBASSY. THIS JUST LOOKS LIKE SOMETHING FRESH FROM THE SPANISH EMBASSY.

SOMETIMES, IT IS NOT THE REFUSAL AT THE VISA. IT IS JUST THE WAY YOU ARE TREATED. AN OVERWHELMING NUMBER OF PEOPLE SIDED WITH THE DOCTOR BECAUSE THERE IS A FEELING OF UNFAIRNESS.

I THINK THE SPANISH EMBASSY SHOULD LOOK INTO ITS DEALING WITH VISA APPLICANTS, INSTEAD OF BEING DEFENSIVE ABOUT THE WHOLE ISSUE.
whitestar 10 years ago

really good piece to humble those silly corrupt doctors in ghana.Is it NOT TRUE they are free to dispense life and death without any accountability? this is a reasonable REPLY to that idoit and our shameful system.

really good piece to humble those silly corrupt doctors in ghana.Is it NOT TRUE they are free to dispense life and death without any accountability? this is a reasonable REPLY to that idoit and our shameful system.
George Kwabla, Somanya 10 years ago

Why All-Die-Be-Die? Afraid of what? Did you think through "your own name" before attacking someone else for doing same? Learn to remove the beam from your own eyes so you can clearly see the mote in another person's.

Why All-Die-Be-Die? Afraid of what? Did you think through "your own name" before attacking someone else for doing same? Learn to remove the beam from your own eyes so you can clearly see the mote in another person's.
Concerned 10 years ago

When have you ever seen an article on Ghanaweb written without a name attached to it? Those points raised in the article totally missed the point raised by the doctor. True each country have a right to decline a visa to anyon ...
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When have you ever seen an article on Ghanaweb written without a name attached to it? Those points raised in the article totally missed the point raised by the doctor. True each country have a right to decline a visa to anyone but that person too does have a right to express an opinion held by most people.
Mike Olongo, USA 10 years ago

Thank you.

Thank you.
Aku 10 years ago

I am impressed with this doctor for standing u for himself. What European embassies need to understand is this: It is not every Ghanaian who wants to end up serving tacos in Europe. They should have provided reasons why he wa ...
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I am impressed with this doctor for standing u for himself. What European embassies need to understand is this: It is not every Ghanaian who wants to end up serving tacos in Europe. They should have provided reasons why he was turned down for a visa.
KWASI IN EUROPE 10 years ago

When European doctors or train drivers go on strike, they still make sure that emergency cases dealt with. Ghanaian doctors go on strike and watch accident and stroke victims die. The better doctors are in Europe. Shut up.

When European doctors or train drivers go on strike, they still make sure that emergency cases dealt with. Ghanaian doctors go on strike and watch accident and stroke victims die. The better doctors are in Europe. Shut up.
okofo 10 years ago

Keep worshiping Europe: people with colonized mindset will defend their exploiters because inferiority complex clouds their reasoning.

The doctor who is ENLIGHTENED proved that after all, Spain is no better than Ghana econ ...
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Keep worshiping Europe: people with colonized mindset will defend their exploiters because inferiority complex clouds their reasoning.

The doctor who is ENLIGHTENED proved that after all, Spain is no better than Ghana economically, and that with his credentials and travel history involving even a better established economies the Spanish Embassy's reasons for the visa refusal is not too far from RACISM.

Why would an established doctor leave his comfort zone of RACISM-FREE Ghana to Spain whose citizens throw bananas to blacks soccer players on the field? And what sense does it make when this writer suggested that the doctor could still use "lowly" Spain to reach say, Germany when this doctor has been to similar conference in Germany itself and returned to his native Ghana? This does s NOT make a bit of sense!! You shut up rather!!
AB 10 years ago

Dear Anonymous writer-

You are missing the point. If the doctor was going on holiday, and could not demonstrate any ties to Ghana, i could maybe understand the embassy's decision. He had been invited to speak at an event a ...
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Dear Anonymous writer-

You are missing the point. If the doctor was going on holiday, and could not demonstrate any ties to Ghana, i could maybe understand the embassy's decision. He had been invited to speak at an event and based on what he writes, it appears he brought with him all the necessary support that he would need to obtain the visa. Do you even know the basic level of education given to these folks in the embassies that review your paperwork? You would be very surprised. When you are comfortable in your home and someone invites to their country and the clueless grade 7 people at the embassy deny you a visa, it is stupidly annoying!! Allow the doctor to express his annoyance, he is not trying to emigrate anywhere at this time in his life. Mr anonymous writer get a clue!!!!
CUDJOE 10 years ago

Ghanaians USE many TRICKS to sneak into these advance countries. There are Ghanaian sportsmen who REFUSE to go back after the games are over. Even Lawyers try the same tricks after a conference they apply for political asylum ...
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Ghanaians USE many TRICKS to sneak into these advance countries. There are Ghanaian sportsmen who REFUSE to go back after the games are over. Even Lawyers try the same tricks after a conference they apply for political asylum. Ghanaians are bad.
sam 10 years ago

you are right but before a visa is issued all documentations are thoroughly examine and references are checked.My dad who is oncologist in Ghana most time is issued 10yrs by british high commission so that he can travel to th ...
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you are right but before a visa is issued all documentations are thoroughly examine and references are checked.My dad who is oncologist in Ghana most time is issued 10yrs by british high commission so that he can travel to the uk for conferences without having to attend the embassy.same with the USA and other countries as he's regularly attends conferenceas.The Spanish embassy has every rigth to refuse or issue visa to who they want but in this case they should have looked into the reason why the doctor was travelling to Spain as in the long round the knowledge acquired through this conference would help Ghana in general.
Concerned 10 years ago

The fact that he's been to other countries for the same purpose and returned to Ghana should been taken into consideration by the Spanish.

The fact that he's been to other countries for the same purpose and returned to Ghana should been taken into consideration by the Spanish.
okofo 10 years ago

Doctors from Ghana DON'T seek refuge in your so called "advanced countries". Check the statistics before you spill your uninformed comment here.

Doctors from Ghana DON'T seek refuge in your so called "advanced countries". Check the statistics before you spill your uninformed comment here.
MAWULI 10 years ago

There are lots of Ghanaian doctors,engineers etc doing all sorts of menial jobs overseas. Earning FOREIGN CURRENCY is the motivating factor. If that guy goes to Spain,he could quickly enter Germany or Holland.

There are lots of Ghanaian doctors,engineers etc doing all sorts of menial jobs overseas. Earning FOREIGN CURRENCY is the motivating factor. If that guy goes to Spain,he could quickly enter Germany or Holland.
okofo 10 years ago

You don't get it:This man has been to Germany, USA, Japan and Canada for similar conference. What makes you think that we wants to use Spain to enter Germany this time?

Bear in mind that NOT everybody wants to relocate to ...
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You don't get it:This man has been to Germany, USA, Japan and Canada for similar conference. What makes you think that we wants to use Spain to enter Germany this time?

Bear in mind that NOT everybody wants to relocate to Europe. A lot of people are doing GREAT in Ghana. When people bring so called FOREIGN CURRENCY to Ghana who change the monies for them?
Thomas 10 years ago

Who do you think you are kidding? Just because ignorant Ghana employs uneducated Ghanaians in its missions doesn't mean the rest of the world does. We Westerners have governments that only employ college graduates. You are so ...
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Who do you think you are kidding? Just because ignorant Ghana employs uneducated Ghanaians in its missions doesn't mean the rest of the world does. We Westerners have governments that only employ college graduates. You are so fucking stupid!
G. K. Berko 10 years ago

Thomas, while what you are saying about your Embassy Personnel may be true, your response conveys what could be best described as subconscious racism, the very issue that the Doctor's anger seems to have been engendered by.
...
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Thomas, while what you are saying about your Embassy Personnel may be true, your response conveys what could be best described as subconscious racism, the very issue that the Doctor's anger seems to have been engendered by.

We must concede that all Embassies reserve the right to choose who earns their Visas. But unfortunately, it is the cumulative experience of many Africans that informs the notion that such denial of visas are often racially motivated.

We know, for instance, that the USA has annual visa quotas she goes by. That is a significant indication of transparency in how the USA system operates, even though the size of the quotas varying from country to country has come under some dispute that some racism is involved.

The USA would often reveal the very reasons for denying a visa to some individual if that individual is not convinced of any already given and insists on knowing why. I wish all Nations would do the same, including Ghana.

If only the Spanish Embassy had been forthright with the specific reasons why the Doctor was denied the visa, it might have prevented this outburst. I wish Spain and all other Countries would adopt the USA's transparency.

And more, Thomas, you should not have insulted the person you were responding to. His/hers was not insulting to anyone, and did not deserve such treatment from you.

Long Live Ghana!!!
Asafo Agladza 10 years ago

Thanks very much Mr. Berko for your civility in explaining to the so called Thomas, who is not Grade 7 civil servant but whose response to this article shows
that he is a fucking idiot and a racist.

Thanks very much Mr. Berko for your civility in explaining to the so called Thomas, who is not Grade 7 civil servant but whose response to this article shows
that he is a fucking idiot and a racist.
Concerned 10 years ago

So after your graduate qualifications you still cannot tell the difference between relevance and stupid unrelated muttering.

So after your graduate qualifications you still cannot tell the difference between relevance and stupid unrelated muttering.
okofo 10 years ago

Fuck-off yourself this forum with that stupid arrogance. What does Western college graduates know about Africa?

Fuck-off yourself this forum with that stupid arrogance. What does Western college graduates know about Africa?
Mike Olongo, USA 10 years ago

As Anonymous has rightly stated the issuance of visas is not based on applicants' qualifications, eminence, or skin color. The illustrious Doctor and all those who think like him should know that before his visa denial many G ...
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As Anonymous has rightly stated the issuance of visas is not based on applicants' qualifications, eminence, or skin color. The illustrious Doctor and all those who think like him should know that before his visa denial many Ghanaians and other Africans for that matter had been issued visas by Spanish authorities to go to Spain; and in the same vein many had been denied. I was granted a visa to travel to the United states at a time when my son (who is fairer in complexion than me) was denied. What justification can my son have to say that he was denied because of the color of his skin? These days that terrorism is so rife even a name sounding close to that of a terror suspect is reason enough to deny a person a visa. I sincerely sympathize with the honorable Doctor who, I am sure, did nothing wrong, presented the right paperwork to the DHM but who had been overtaken by un-envisaged circumstances. Sorry sir, but such is life !
Intelligent Perspective 10 years ago

As a resident of Spain for some time, I have had to do with Spanish bureaucracy and have come to know a lot about Spanish Law. It is based on Roman Law which may be different from English law and what Ghanaians are used to.
...
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As a resident of Spain for some time, I have had to do with Spanish bureaucracy and have come to know a lot about Spanish Law. It is based on Roman Law which may be different from English law and what Ghanaians are used to.
In the UK, when applying for a visa for example one would be expect say proof of residence, proof of financial support, and says proof of itinerary. In Roman law, and Spain, the civil servant does not have to decide on the merit of your documentation. Rather they will ask for SPECIFIC documents. (Passport, ticket, exact date of departure etc.) If all documents are submitted, a civil servant is OBLIGED to endorse an application.
The Dr. just expected the Spanish Embassy officials to make inferences from the documents submitted. In Spain even a top official will have to submit exactly the required papers. If one understands this they will find the Spanish system VERY EASY. In fact most of bureaucratic processes are done by lawyers called “gestoria” who will file the required papers and for that reason do not encounter any problems.
Agyaba 10 years ago

Most of these career diplomats undergo numerous and rigorous sensitivity training courses/programs to help them deal effectively with the nationals of countries they are posted to. For a 3-day conference or seminar, what kind ...
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Most of these career diplomats undergo numerous and rigorous sensitivity training courses/programs to help them deal effectively with the nationals of countries they are posted to. For a 3-day conference or seminar, what kind of documentation, could be missing or deemed improper,to prevent the issuance of the designated [ ie a special class visa]to this Surgeon.
Let`s face it, the gentleman was applying for a visa with a long duration, and save a valid medical clearance certificate, I cannot fathom any plausible explanation, outside spanish national security, usually a blanket cover used by bureaucrats everywhere, to hide their streo-typical prejudices; whether or not the operate under the Justinian or Common Law.
MAWULI 10 years ago

Dont blame the Spanish Embassy. They have heard all sorts of stories from Ghanaians.Once you issue them Visas, they get into the advance counties and REFUSE to go back. They will then apply for Asylum etc. What do you think K ...
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Dont blame the Spanish Embassy. They have heard all sorts of stories from Ghanaians.Once you issue them Visas, they get into the advance counties and REFUSE to go back. They will then apply for Asylum etc. What do you think KPB , Quincy-Abeye, Mario Balotelli's parents did? Those are just tips of the icebergs.
Yaw Amankwaah 9 years ago

If these embassies can do without Africa,let them get away all the embassies and remove their embassies from African!certainly no,every nation needs the other nation.So they should be reasonable in their decisions on visas.Le ...
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If these embassies can do without Africa,let them get away all the embassies and remove their embassies from African!certainly no,every nation needs the other nation.So they should be reasonable in their decisions on visas.Lets all be truthful and sincere to ourselves,someone with all these previous visits to such countries and he is refuse a visa at this time,please ask yourselves if you do not possess that,how will you get visa to visit for an important trip.?Today is a doctor,tomorrow it will be you!
NY 10 years ago

Your long winding rebuttal is seriously flawed. Was it the view of the Spanish High Commission, which you appear to write for, that the doctor did not demonstrate in his application that he had strong enough ties to Ghana thu ...
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Your long winding rebuttal is seriously flawed. Was it the view of the Spanish High Commission, which you appear to write for, that the doctor did not demonstrate in his application that he had strong enough ties to Ghana thus making him a flight risk and did not have enough funds for his trip? Did the High Commission review the applicant's travel history? Has the doctor visited countries with similar economic well-being as Spain and returned home before his visa expired? Perhaps, your rejoinder is aimed at Ghanaians resident in Ghana. As a naturalized citizen of an EU country, I can tell you that the Ghanaian doctor would encounter enormous challenges finding a employment as a doctor in Spain or the more prosperous Germany or France that you suggested the doctor might escape to. First, language barrier would be a huge issue. Unless you are suggesting that the doctor speaks and writes fluent Spanish, German and French. Second, the doctor's residency status and medical credentials would be vetted before he is granted authorization to sit and pass the medical board examination. If he passes the examination, he must complete 1-2 years of medical residency and pass a series of oral and written examinations before he would granted a license to practice. The decision to refuse the doctor the visa was wrong regardless of his race or country of origin. You are defending the indefensible. Having said that, it is the prerogative of the Spanish High Commission decide who they allow into their country or not, even if the basis is seriously, as it was in this case.
Osuo Abrubuor 10 years ago

It is my experience that these embasssy people form a judgement from the interview and then find some reasons to back their decision.

A sister of mine who went for a visa at one of the european embassies was refused becaus ...
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It is my experience that these embasssy people form a judgement from the interview and then find some reasons to back their decision.

A sister of mine who went for a visa at one of the european embassies was refused because quote "our mother had not been to visit me before, so why did she want to come first?".

When I wrote to challenge this arbitrary decision, they reeled out all the usual cliche reasons to justify the refusal, flight risk, not enough kids to anchor her to Ghana etc etc.

It could well be that the Spanish Embassy official decided our learned doctor was too arrogant and that was enough to sink his application!
Agyaba 10 years ago

In this rejoinder.
True, each and every country reserves the right to set the criteria for admission into their borders ,but a denial/refusal to grant a visa should not be left to whims and caprices of a 'half-baked' officia ...
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In this rejoinder.
True, each and every country reserves the right to set the criteria for admission into their borders ,but a denial/refusal to grant a visa should not be left to whims and caprices of a 'half-baked' officials, who cannot make sense of their own government`s immigration policy.
Look, you do not deny an applicant a visa into the country ,and then turn around and ask the same individual to file an appeal for relief at the High Court of that same country!
Although I feel it was rather petty on the part of the Surgeon to spend his precious time to remind the Consular Officer about all the 'good' economic indices of that nation situated in the Iberian Peninsula, I feel, a highly-trained diplomat worth their salt, would have been more courteous about this strange rejection. I also find your attempt to justify this 'rude' refusal ,and then to lump this surgeon into the category of African 'marialitos' very insulting, and typical of individuals,[ blacks] ,who look down on people of their own kind! I mean the fact that White Tourists , who flock to vacation destinations in the Far East,are generally speaking, sex perverts ,does not necessarily mean every White visa applicant to any of those countries, a sex predator, who therefore be barred from entering say Bangkokf or Manila for a very brief stay, especially when the purpose of their travel has been clearly stated ,and backed by documentary evidence.
If this had happened in Naija, you can be sure the 'reprisal' would have been very swift and publicised!
I have my own beef with doctors and other over-paid professionals, fighting 'proxy battles' on behalf of a particular political party, and who think this country owes them something, notwithstanding the enormous contribution the state makes towards their training.
But let`s not mix apples with oranges ;because what is involved here borders on our national pride and identity, and we should not lose sight of this simple fact!
Thomas 10 years ago

You say that granting a visa "should not be left to the whims and caprices of a 'half-baked' officials, who cannot make sense of their own government's immigration policy." Immigration and immigration policy have absolutely n ...
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You say that granting a visa "should not be left to the whims and caprices of a 'half-baked' officials, who cannot make sense of their own government's immigration policy." Immigration and immigration policy have absolutely nothing to do with visas, especially visas for a weekend conference. Immigration policy is decided upon by politicians and subsequently acted upon by subordinates of particular agencies. Visas are the sole responsibility of foreign ministries, which do not set immigration policy. Furthermore - at least in the case of the U.S. and probably in the case of every other nation on the planet - the final decision to grant entry into a foreign nation is made by the immigration officer at the airport (or sea port or land border). That person has the utter authority, based on nothing more than that the foreigner might look 'suspicious', and despite that the foreigner may have a valid visa in his passport, to deny entry to the foreigner. That lowly bureaucrat, sitting alone in a booth (as in the case at Kotoka) or standing at the head of a queue of deplaned passengers (as at JKF) is not obligated under law to honor a visa. You might think you have a right to enter a country because you possess a visa to that country: you would be wrong. Only the immigration officer at the end of your journey gives you the right to enter.
Asafo Agladza 10 years ago

We all know that Thomas that the Immigration Officer at the airport is the sole officer who determines your entering into a country in spite of the fact that you ma have a visa in your passport.
My question to you is was the ...
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We all know that Thomas that the Immigration Officer at the airport is the sole officer who determines your entering into a country in spite of the fact that you ma have a visa in your passport.
My question to you is was the Surgeon denied entry at any spanish port of entry or denied the visa at the spanish embassy??
Don't be mischievous you cant fool anyone Thomas.
G. K. Berko 10 years ago

Thanks, Thomas, for sharing this knowledge with many who might not have known or considered that possibility.

You are right about the entry controls that the Immigration Personnel exercise at entry points. But isn't that ...
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Thanks, Thomas, for sharing this knowledge with many who might not have known or considered that possibility.

You are right about the entry controls that the Immigration Personnel exercise at entry points. But isn't that different from the award of visas itself?

It is like the Police and the Court System. The Police have their orders or mandate to impose certain restraints on site. But the Court dispenses with any arrests or complaints that Police forwards to it. The two operate independently but link up at some point in the process to instill Justice in the whole system.

The US State Department reserves the responsibility to issue visas. But it is also through its interactions with the Congress that Policies on Foreign issues and Immigration are implemented. Isn't that right, Thomas?

Now, assuming one of the many Security Agencies in the USA detects a problem with the presence of an individual in some location, and conveys the message down the line, wouldn't the State Department be the ultimate source of restricting the person's movement?

Any discretionary rule by the entry-point Immigration Officer, not based upon the advisement of the State Department could only be transient and an isolated incident. Isn't that the case?

If that is the case, then the visa issuing could be said to have more lasting repercussions on the individual for which he or she must be more concerned. That is why the case for transparency still lingers around in the minds of many, given that it is considered in non-pervasive, non-definitive way and still leaves much to public suspicion.

Long Live Ghana!!!
Agyaba 10 years ago

Response from me, after this kind of 'intervention' from you!
First off, I have no intention of engaging you in a pointless debate here on the scope of public, except to indicate to you that immigration policy involves all ...
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Response from me, after this kind of 'intervention' from you!
First off, I have no intention of engaging you in a pointless debate here on the scope of public, except to indicate to you that immigration policy involves all govt agencies and departments! The idea of 'compartimentilization'[ that is ,functioning in silos], is generally frowned upon,by 'Mandarins' from Georgetown, Yale, Carleton, Queens, Oxford, Sorbonne,LSE, etc, who run the White House, White Hall[esp # 10 Downing Street, the Elysee Palace, or the 'PMO',in Ottawa.
Please do not tell me that after entry visas had been granted to the late Shah of Iran, Marcos of the Phillipnes ,Ahmed Shallaby of Iraq or the Dali Lama of Tibet, a lowly border control official, working for ICE, could have turned any of these individuals away from an entry point!
And to bring this subject matter closer to home on our continent, did Blaise Campore`s ability to flee to the CDI, with his large entourage ,following the insurrection in his home country, determined by some obscure 'ragtag' immigration/ border control officials stationed at Paga and other entry posts along the way? And from the little that we all know about, can the CIA ,or in our case, the BNI/National Security, not hold sway in these matters?
Ever heard of people being not allowed to get on flights, simply because their names are on so-called 'no-fly' lists?
Look, if you read my comment very carefully, you would have realized I was not referring only to the Consular Official, but to a gamut of bureaucrats who represent their respective countries in such matters.
And depending on the particular jurisdiction under review, do independent quasi-judicial officials, who run Immigration Appeal Tribunals/Boards,not do play a very prominent role in determining who is allowed entry into a country?
The honest truth is that, Muslims from certain designated countries like Yemen, Libya, Syria ,Iraq, Pakistan, and even Egypt, as well as Nigeria, do face serious travel obstacles for obvious reasons.
In the case of countries from our sub-region,[Ecowas],were returning professional soccer players not given a hard time at various entry points in Europe, upon their return from short national assignments? The person who wrote this rejoinder, tipped his or her hand by making a poignant reference to 'desperate' African migrants risking their lives on perilous journeys on the Mediterranean sea.
Intelligent Perspective 10 years ago

Sofia has continued to show motivation and purposefulness in this subject throughout the semester and has been rewarded handsomely with the top grade. She is eager to learn and makes full use of class time; reading over her ...
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Sofia has continued to show motivation and purposefulness in this subject throughout the semester and has been rewarded handsomely with the top grade. She is eager to learn and makes full use of class time; reading over her notes, organizing her work and even sometimes sneaking in time to do some general reading. She works well in team situations during which I have observed her frequently assume leadership roles. She participates actively in her own learning and has gained invaluable foundation for later studies in the sciences. I strongly advise her to maintain her passionate attitude. A tremendous performance overall.
Krobo 10 years ago

I don't think Sofia will be pleased with you for throwing her academic exploits, though complimentary, in the public domain.

I don't think Sofia will be pleased with you for throwing her academic exploits, though complimentary, in the public domain.
Intelligent Perspective 10 years ago

Sorry and worse I cannot delete it

Sorry and worse I cannot delete it
Lone voice 10 years ago

Doctors, try to have some humility even in your writings. Remember you are human as every one. The protest letter is full of arrogance. Remember for most European countries the Fellowships in Africa mean nothing. Most don't e ...
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Doctors, try to have some humility even in your writings. Remember you are human as every one. The protest letter is full of arrogance. Remember for most European countries the Fellowships in Africa mean nothing. Most don't even know Ghana and most African countries have the ability to train specialist, consultants like you. Humility is some times rewarding.
drahmed 10 years ago

please be civil in this discussion. Do you people know how knowledge is acquired? through such conferences etc. Do you know how it feels to be denied knowledge? This is exactly what the doctor is expressing. I would have writ ...
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please be civil in this discussion. Do you people know how knowledge is acquired? through such conferences etc. Do you know how it feels to be denied knowledge? This is exactly what the doctor is expressing. I would have written worse than this. Not that the doctor feels sure about himself.. but rather angry at being refused for help he wants to give . It is not Arrogance but rather Racism that we are all staring in the face. The doctor is just giving his credentials for you all to know he is not a cheap person traveling to and fro without aim. FOR LACK OF KNOWLEDGE MY PEOPLE PERISH.
Thomas 10 years ago

You cannot possibly know the Spaniard's reasoning for denying the doctor a visa. Why do you immediately play the race card? His economic and familial ties to Ghana probably don't count as much in his favour now that the EU is ...
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You cannot possibly know the Spaniard's reasoning for denying the doctor a visa. Why do you immediately play the race card? His economic and familial ties to Ghana probably don't count as much in his favour now that the EU is concentrating on illegal immigration from Africa, and the fact that the Cedi is rapidly falling through the floor, thus making his economic situation here more and more precarious and making a potential illegal jump to Europe more and more a possibility. Unless you have proof that the Spaniard is racist, fuck you.
G. K. Berko 10 years ago

Thomas, again, here you are insulting someone who decorously commented on a response. If you don't agree with the person, why not just state your opinion civilly, without insulting? Your explanation to the person you responde ...
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Thomas, again, here you are insulting someone who decorously commented on a response. If you don't agree with the person, why not just state your opinion civilly, without insulting? Your explanation to the person you responded to was very cogent, and adequate to throw more light on his potential error. So, why add an insult?

Having said that, and assuming all your explanation holds, why wouldn't it be more helpful to both sides, the applicants and the entities issuing the Visas, that the issuers bring more transparency to their processing and rejections like the USA does? That would eliminate all these grounds for suspicions about the motives behind the denials.

Spain must be bold to inform the Public that she has been compelled by current circumstances of influx of illegal immigrants and its accompanying disasters to be more strict with its visa awards, if that is why she is doing so. No one can impose on Spain how to consider her visa applications. But she owes it to the World Community to be transparent in why she is doing what she is doing with her interaction with the World.

Without such transparency, folks would always entertain their own suspicions as to why they are treated the way they have been.

Your insults are uncalled for. And if we were to follow your logic behind the insults, would accept the insults pointed back to you, should the person claim to have proof that the Spaniard is racist? In that case, your last insulting sentence should have read: "Unless you have proof that the Spaniard is racist, f*ck you, otherwise f*ck me".

Have a nice day!

Long Live Ghana!!!
Ken Dawson 10 years ago

You are right about transparency being good, but there reasons which you and I may not be aware of as to why governments are sometimes opaque. As I suspect you know, in the US for example, you can be put on the "No Fly" list ...
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You are right about transparency being good, but there reasons which you and I may not be aware of as to why governments are sometimes opaque. As I suspect you know, in the US for example, you can be put on the "No Fly" list and you will never be able to get a reason why. I think the former Senator Ted Kennedy was once on this list. Is it so as not to divulge intelligence operations or some other matter regarding national security? Who knows? The fact is ALL governments behave this way. If you ever found yourself on the "No Fly" list, I think your assertions about transparency in the US will suffer some dents. But overall, I agree with you. More transparency is always good.
G. K. Berko 10 years ago

Ken, you are right about the opaqueness we encounter every now and then in the USA system. But the difference is that the system allows for review. One could always challenge any such characterization of individuals by the US ...
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Ken, you are right about the opaqueness we encounter every now and then in the USA system. But the difference is that the system allows for review. One could always challenge any such characterization of individuals by the USA Government. We find out who is on the list only when the person happens to be traveling. Don't we? And many would not care if they were on the list, so long as they do not intend to travel. But at the instance such restriction on an individual is revealed, the affected always has the right to legally challenge that, after conceding the initial disappointment of, say, being unable to make a particular trip, of course.

It reminds me of my own personal experience with the security frisking at the Airports. On one occasion, I was picked out of the line, whilst attempting to embark a plane for a local trip, for further screening. I was frisked head to toe, made to remove my shoes and pants, as well. That was at the very beginning of that trend, soon after 9-11. For a moment, I wondered why me. All kinds of assumptions began flowing through my mind. Did I look like someone else? Had any of my previous contributions of comments, and few Articles online, stricken a wrong nerve? It just happened that on my return, I didn't even get screened beyond the normal check with the metal detector apparatus.

So, we have to accept these nuances as the way things are today. Some screener may infuse his or her own latent racism into his or her duties. But we have to endure that since the capital that might be expended in exposing such a personnel would not be worthy of the trouble of going through the screening, given how frequently one travels, of course.

Long Live Ghana!!!
okofo 10 years ago

Yes, Spaniards are damn RACIST: they throw bananas to Black soccer players on the field implying blacks are monkeys to them. Go fuck yourself Thomas, if you're peeved about the racist label slapped on Spain!!

Yes, Spaniards are damn RACIST: they throw bananas to Black soccer players on the field implying blacks are monkeys to them. Go fuck yourself Thomas, if you're peeved about the racist label slapped on Spain!!
back door director 10 years ago

This is their cowardly reply

This is their cowardly reply
drahmed 10 years ago

I agree it is coming from the Spanish embassy and nowhere else. They walk in and out of this country as if they are share holders. What contribution do they make here to the Economy?... just syphoning what they can get.

I agree it is coming from the Spanish embassy and nowhere else. They walk in and out of this country as if they are share holders. What contribution do they make here to the Economy?... just syphoning what they can get.
Yaw Kyere, NY 10 years ago

TRANSPARENCY IS THE WAY. LET THE SPANISH EMBASSY COME OUT WITH AN EXPLANATION, INSTEAD OF THIS SEEMINGLY HIRED-HAND POST.
I SMELL A RAT THAT A GHANAIAN WOULD GO THROUGH ALL THE TROUBLE TO WRITE THIS JUST TO DEFEND THE SPANIS ...
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TRANSPARENCY IS THE WAY. LET THE SPANISH EMBASSY COME OUT WITH AN EXPLANATION, INSTEAD OF THIS SEEMINGLY HIRED-HAND POST.
I SMELL A RAT THAT A GHANAIAN WOULD GO THROUGH ALL THE TROUBLE TO WRITE THIS JUST TO DEFEND THE SPANISH EMBASSY.
HMMM! FISHY, FISHY, FISHY !!!
Thomas 10 years ago

The grammar is at times incorrect and the formatting is sloppy. Nothing like that would have been written by a foreign staffer.

The grammar is at times incorrect and the formatting is sloppy. Nothing like that would have been written by a foreign staffer.
Anonymous,JC 10 years ago

You are very right. I thought I had done a much better editing job than it appears in some cases. I will try and do better next time. Thanks.

You are very right. I thought I had done a much better editing job than it appears in some cases. I will try and do better next time. Thanks.
Anonymous,JC 10 years ago

Meant "Spanish", not "Panish". I know some critics will pounce on this :-)

Meant "Spanish", not "Panish". I know some critics will pounce on this :-)
G. K. Berko 10 years ago

Anonymous J. C., granting your identity as a non-staffer at the Spanish Consulate, have you considered the need for the Spanish Embassy to be more transparent in informing rejected applicants exactly why their applications we ...
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Anonymous J. C., granting your identity as a non-staffer at the Spanish Consulate, have you considered the need for the Spanish Embassy to be more transparent in informing rejected applicants exactly why their applications were rejected?

How about the Embassy stipulating the exact requirements needed for applicants to meet for their visa applications to be considered?

While the Doctor's response might have portrayed him as arrogant, full of himself and setting himself above the law, isn't it necessary that the Public know what that law is? Couldn't it be, also, argued that the Doctor's outburst stems more from the Spanish Embassy's overlooking of the purpose of his trip than any bruise to his personal ego?

Long Live Ghana!!!
Anonymous,JC 10 years ago

For what is worth, I am not a staffer at the Spanish Embassy, so let us put that to rest. The point about transparency is that governments sometimes need to keep secrets. For example, suppose the reason for rejecting the doct ...
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For what is worth, I am not a staffer at the Spanish Embassy, so let us put that to rest. The point about transparency is that governments sometimes need to keep secrets. For example, suppose the reason for rejecting the doctor's visa is that information from monitoring his cell phone conversations or e-mail (whether they should be doing that or not is a different matter) indicated that he was not planning to come back. Remember, this is a supposition. The Spanish Embassy will not take him behind doors and show him transcripts of his calls and e-mails. Again, I am not saying this is the case and they may have absolutely no legitimate reason for the denial, but the point is that transparency may not always be possible or in the foreign governments interest. I suspect Ghana will behave the same or at least I hope they do when the circumstances demand it.
G. K. Berko 10 years ago

You and I may know and would concede that. But many others may not know that, and demand that they are treated fairly like all others. Such is the cause for the outbursts that the Doctor displayed, granted that he might have ...
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You and I may know and would concede that. But many others may not know that, and demand that they are treated fairly like all others. Such is the cause for the outbursts that the Doctor displayed, granted that he might have exposed himself as egocentric.

Does the Spanish Embassy offer any chance for appeal in such cases? Does it allow, say, the International affiliation which invited the Doctor protest the denial, or appeal for reconsideration? The more we delve into this, the farther we step into the grey areas that would make many a rejected applicant frustrated and even as angry as the Doctor was. If any such measures to protect a Nation's security is imperative, some tool for helping the Society come to terms with that reality must be offered.

Long Live Ghana!!!
Agyaba 10 years ago

We know what makes our own people[Public officials and Journalists] tick; courtesy of Jon Germaine, the British Envoy in Ghana.
Your point about the conduct of foreign govts or that of their reps in distant lands, points t ...
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We know what makes our own people[Public officials and Journalists] tick; courtesy of Jon Germaine, the British Envoy in Ghana.
Your point about the conduct of foreign govts or that of their reps in distant lands, points to the existence of a double- standard in their dealings with the rest of the world. The notion about "transparency" or open govt is simply a mirage; a dubious yardstick that is often used to assess other nations or regimes,particularly those from the Third World, they despise.
Since the superstructure of international diplomacy has, to a large extent, been erected on the altar of dishonesty and duplicity, what is really the point in attaching so much weight to these nebulous ideas at all?
Can you believe that marriages involving certain nationalities are are not recognized as real, simply because the newly-weds did not use the services of a professional photo grapher, or did not take an expensive honeymoon; and that this formed the basis of denying one of the partners a visa to join their spouse abroad?
The existence of this spurious policy manual was revealed by some nosey Immigration Attorney ,who could not understand why a client`s application for an immigrant visa had been turned down. Is it not strange that the immigration dept. quickly came out with an announcement that the policy guideline had been abandoned some two or three years earlier?
Armed with that information, the Attorney, who did not buy the explanation, sued in court, and got the earlier decision rescinded; so much for transparency I guess!
Abeeku Mensah 10 years ago

Unfortunately for the Ghanaian medical officer, he has bought into the notion that there is reciprocity in diplomacy that trumps national inyetests. The Ghanaian mentality that the acquisition of classroom credentials are in ...
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Unfortunately for the Ghanaian medical officer, he has bought into the notion that there is reciprocity in diplomacy that trumps national inyetests. The Ghanaian mentality that the acquisition of classroom credentials are in themselves license to gain acceptance into places of power and influence seems to belie his argument. Ghana can continue to sell visas until we end up being subjects of other nations such as China if we so desire but some governments do take the safety, national security, health and economic security of their people seriously than we do in Africa; Ghana's so-called educated and political elite class must stop the expectatons of entitlements.
Bukom boy 10 years ago

Nice to know there are some Ghanaians with the ability to look objectively at the underlying thesis of the article. That sense of entitlement comes through loud and clear. Unfortunately, some here appear not to see it or have ...
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Nice to know there are some Ghanaians with the ability to look objectively at the underlying thesis of the article. That sense of entitlement comes through loud and clear. Unfortunately, some here appear not to see it or have bought into it. themselves.
Adututu 10 years ago

it is obvious u have a score to settle with doctors. It is ok, but be forthright and dont use this as a pretext. u have barely touched on the logic of the reasons for denial to grant him the visa. in fact if u had grey matter ...
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it is obvious u have a score to settle with doctors. It is ok, but be forthright and dont use this as a pretext. u have barely touched on the logic of the reasons for denial to grant him the visa. in fact if u had grey matter in that little skull of yours, at least u would have noticed that the denial on shaky grounds is what promotes illegal emmigration.
Kodjo 10 years ago

No. He is talking about the attitude of grandiosity and entitlement that permeates the thinking of the professional classes in Ghana. Doctors just happen to be the worst of the lot, but not by much. That the grounds for rejec ...
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No. He is talking about the attitude of grandiosity and entitlement that permeates the thinking of the professional classes in Ghana. Doctors just happen to be the worst of the lot, but not by much. That the grounds for rejection are shaky is your opinion.
Mike Olongo, USA 10 years ago

Do you know the grounds on which the doctor's application was denied? I guess your grey matter is turning brown in its oversized skull.

Do you know the grounds on which the doctor's application was denied? I guess your grey matter is turning brown in its oversized skull.
NDC fool 10 years ago

Why are you angry? Spain doesn't need you, period! If Mahama and NDC are not destroying the country, why will you be denied visa to Spain?

Why are you angry? Spain doesn't need you, period! If Mahama and NDC are not destroying the country, why will you be denied visa to Spain?
Thomas 10 years ago

Well said. Thank you.

Well said. Thank you.
kwaku-h-Netherlands 10 years ago

Bravo! such a clear and logical article! shame on that foolish doctor! Let him organize it in Accra

Bravo! such a clear and logical article! shame on that foolish doctor! Let him organize it in Accra
Mokobi, Accra 10 years ago

Many Ghanaians, especially those holding high positions, think that everything must be done their way by virtue of their status in society. If the Spanish authorities do not have laid down policies or set criteria to sieve th ...
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Many Ghanaians, especially those holding high positions, think that everything must be done their way by virtue of their status in society. If the Spanish authorities do not have laid down policies or set criteria to sieve through applications before issuing visas their borders would be opened to all and there would be no need to apply for a visa, in the first place, to enter their country. The Doctor should please take cognizance of the fact that visa application, irrespective of the applicant's social standing or 'stated' reason for travel, is no guarantee for visa issue.
Nik 10 years ago

Specious arguments, easily rebutted. Gross misinterpretation of the doctor's own arguments.

Specious arguments, easily rebutted. Gross misinterpretation of the doctor's own arguments.
JJ 10 years ago

There are plenty Spanish people working illegally in Ghana. The government should find them and deport them.

There are plenty Spanish people working illegally in Ghana. The government should find them and deport them.
sam 10 years ago

In this world countries such as the USA and Uk are regarded as top nations in the world.but even them will easily issue their visa to a top doctor such as the one in question,how much more Spain without disrespect.Everyone hi ...
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In this world countries such as the USA and Uk are regarded as top nations in the world.but even them will easily issue their visa to a top doctor such as the one in question,how much more Spain without disrespect.Everyone high commission in the world would know that a man of 20yrs experience in medicine will never abandone his job a consultant to leave in Spain to do menial jobs.spare us you thought please.
Kojo,Krachie 10 years ago

Dear Author,
I can relate to the disappointment of this Surgeon in many ways.First,it is through such "continous medical activities"(CME)that our doctors stay abreast with cutting edge technologies in medicine.Secondly,being ...
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Dear Author,
I can relate to the disappointment of this Surgeon in many ways.First,it is through such "continous medical activities"(CME)that our doctors stay abreast with cutting edge technologies in medicine.Secondly,being a presenter at such conferences is a big deal.To have researched,written and have these papers presented and have a visa trip you up is heartbreaking.It is also through such medium that other countries appreciate what our doctors are capable of.Maybe,he would have impressed the attendees to the point where Ghana could be approved to host the next of such a conference.Please bear with the "poor" doctor.
Mike Olongo, USA 10 years ago

Dear Kojo, the points you have raised are all valid and I do sympathize with the Doctor too; but the issue is this: The visa application by A well respected doctor going to present an important paper abroad which could be ben ...
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Dear Kojo, the points you have raised are all valid and I do sympathize with the Doctor too; but the issue is this: The visa application by A well respected doctor going to present an important paper abroad which could be beneficial to the entire world of medicine was declined. The big question is WHY. The WHY cannot be answered by the importance of what the doctor is going to do abroad or how eminent and respectable he is. It can only be answered from the Spanish Mission's perspective. We should not lose sight of the fact that a simple error in paper work can lead to his visa denial. Using a hypothetical case as example, let us assume that the doctor had to answer a question on the visa form like "when do you expect to return?" and instead of September 2015 he mistakenly writes September 2025. The staff at the Spanish Mission will not get back to him for correction. Their decision to issue him with a visa or not will be based partly or wholly on this erroneous response. Unfortunately, their policy stipulates that if one is not satisfied with their decision one can seek redress only in their home country. Sad as this Doctor finds himself in this unfortunate situation we should not let our emotions get the better part of us. The Spanish Mission may have a good reason for their action and not until the doctor goes through the necessary appeal process our emotional judgment will only continue to be biased.
Newsite Bansah 10 years ago

Anonymous J Click, you are a moron for putting up this moronic argument. I don't think you are fit to shine the doctor's shoes let alone question his indignation at Spain's treatment.

In case you are not aware, these em ...
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Anonymous J Click, you are a moron for putting up this moronic argument. I don't think you are fit to shine the doctor's shoes let alone question his indignation at Spain's treatment.

In case you are not aware, these embassies discriminate against Africans while fleecing us by pocketing the visa application fees.

If you have sensible to say, please shut up.
Ghanaboy 10 years ago

If so, why do you keep going to these embassies queuing in the sun and rain to get visas if you feel they are just fleecing you. Only a fool does the same thing over and over again and expects a different result.

If so, why do you keep going to these embassies queuing in the sun and rain to get visas if you feel they are just fleecing you. Only a fool does the same thing over and over again and expects a different result.
Koo Boy 10 years ago

Just look at the very first article in todays Ghanaweb:"471 Ghanaians including 32 unaccompanied minors have been rescued from boats in the Mediterranean Sea by Italian Authorities between January and April this year." The Eu ...
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Just look at the very first article in todays Ghanaweb:"471 Ghanaians including 32 unaccompanied minors have been rescued from boats in the Mediterranean Sea by Italian Authorities between January and April this year." The Europeans can see we are desperate to leave our countries, including doctors. That is why they are tough on us when we apply for visas!!!
sam 10 years ago

pls be seccunspect in this kind of issue.those going thru the mediterranean and were rescued are not in the calibre of this doctor.Even as a general rule your prefession and, your link with your home country and financial sta ...
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pls be seccunspect in this kind of issue.those going thru the mediterranean and were rescued are not in the calibre of this doctor.Even as a general rule your prefession and, your link with your home country and financial status are taking into accounts when applying for a visa.
Prof. Chris Awuyah 10 years ago

This garbled rejoinder is a ploy to mask the blatant racism of Spanish officials in Ghana. The rejoinder which is mere verbiage and shallow confirms that the process of granting visa is capricious and uncertain. The bureaucra ...
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This garbled rejoinder is a ploy to mask the blatant racism of Spanish officials in Ghana. The rejoinder which is mere verbiage and shallow confirms that the process of granting visa is capricious and uncertain. The bureaucratic phrases used for denial are code words to indicate that the consular officer has control of whether the doctor fulfills his professional educational obligation in Spain. The doctor has every right to travel to Spain being a member in good standing of an association that is holding its meeting in Spain. Spain must not hold such an international meeting if it cannot guarantee that it would treat all conference participants fairly. At the very least, the association must protest on behalf of the doctor and any other participant who is subject to similar experience.
Jonas Nkrumah 10 years ago

Not surprising that the Ghanaian elite will defend their privileges."The doctor has every right to travel to Spain being a member in good standing of an association that is holding its meeting in Spain." And this is from a Pr ...
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Not surprising that the Ghanaian elite will defend their privileges."The doctor has every right to travel to Spain being a member in good standing of an association that is holding its meeting in Spain." And this is from a Professor? What law gives him that right? Is there a law anywhere that says "if you are a member in good standing of an association that is holding its meeting" in a particular country then you are ENTITLED to a visa to that country? Perhaps the Professor can provide references. Then I can join that association and bypass the visa application process. Thanks, Prof., I never knew it could be this easy.
Mike Olongo, USA 10 years ago

Best comment of the day. Mr Nkrumah, please let me know when the Prof shows you the way so I may follow in your tracks. Thank you for a great comment.

Best comment of the day. Mr Nkrumah, please let me know when the Prof shows you the way so I may follow in your tracks. Thank you for a great comment.
KK 10 years ago

Host countries have obligations to review objectively applications. There must be a good reason for hosting the conference in Spain rather than a country like North Korea. It seems Spain has not outlived its history of fascis ...
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Host countries have obligations to review objectively applications. There must be a good reason for hosting the conference in Spain rather than a country like North Korea. It seems Spain has not outlived its history of fascist history and racism. Did they not burn Jews alive in Spain? Thus far the report has not indicated any reason for denying the good doctor visa to travel. Given the history of Spain, should anyone be surprised at the outcome?
OBINNA 10 years ago

If the "doctor has every right to travel to Spain...........," remember professor Awuyah, the Embassy also has every right to deny Visas to this doctor (and other persons who think they have the right to travel to Spain).

If the "doctor has every right to travel to Spain...........," remember professor Awuyah, the Embassy also has every right to deny Visas to this doctor (and other persons who think they have the right to travel to Spain).
sam 10 years ago

I don't think any right minded serious person will write such a horrible response.
The writer welcomes slavery as his way of life by his response and I will recommend we all ignore him or her.
sad we have such humans amongs ...
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I don't think any right minded serious person will write such a horrible response.
The writer welcomes slavery as his way of life by his response and I will recommend we all ignore him or her.
sad we have such humans amongst us.
Which ever way Africa will continue to fight for equal respect and dignity like our people of old such Martin Luther, Nkrumah etc fought for.
God bless Africa!!!!!!
G. K. Berko 10 years ago

I think the lack of transparency in exactly why the Doctor's visa was denied contributed to his outburst. Folks must be aware of what the Embassies' expectations are for granting visas. In that case, applicants would not have ...
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I think the lack of transparency in exactly why the Doctor's visa was denied contributed to his outburst. Folks must be aware of what the Embassies' expectations are for granting visas. In that case, applicants would not have to apply if they know they would not meet the requirements.

If any particular Embassy has already stipulated what it expects to consider for granting a visa application, and somehow, any new update is applied to such requirements, it behooves the Embassies to inform the Public it is serving of that change, too.

I bet Spain may be implementing new requirements for granting visas to applicants, following the current spate of illegal immigrants drowning in the Mediterranean. It may well be even helpful to us, Africans, risking our lives in this exodus, that Spain may be more strict with visa issuance, now.

However, it is best that Spain boldly informs the Public if any such new requirements are place. It would help diffuse the suspicion of any racism involved in her consideration of visa application by Africans.

I hope the good Doctor would calm down and get over his disappointment. That denial should not affect his future contributions to humanity.

Regarding his unrefundable ticket cost, well, that is not unusual. It happens with almost all visa applications to all countries. For instance, I had to postpone my trip to Ghana from the USA twice, not long ago, after my transit visa application to the UK Embassy in Washington DC took longer than I expected. In each case, I had to pay extra fees for postponing the trip while awaiting the visa. In the end, I run out of time and demanded my Passport back from the UK Embassy in the US to enable me to re-route my flight without passing through UK. I was informed that any cancelation of the visa application would itself take much longer, and there was no guarantee that I would get the Passport back before the date I had given for my flight. And just so folks know, the UK Consulate, at the time, had delegated, at least, the visa information dissemination to a private and separate Company, something that may still be in place. So, all calls to the Embassy regarding visa allocation or status had to be routed through that Company. I had to pay around $3.00 per every minute to place such calls. And the Email alternative mode of contact did not guarantee a prompt response, either. The Embassy, then, would not have much instantaneous information as to the exact status of the visa application.

When I finally got my Passport back, I had already changed my flight schedule to exclude passing through the UK, and therefore could not benefit from the visa that was granted. I conceded the loss of the visa application fee from the unused UK visa, as well as the two surcharges for postponing my trip, plus the cost of making calls to check on the status of the application.

What I have learnt from that experience is that one would have to apply visas far in advance of any intended trip, at the very beginning of any suggested application processing period. My application for the UK visa took longer than the UK Consulate's own stipulated period for processing. But, given the circumstances, I had to understand and concede the inconvenience encountered. The Embassies could be under pressure of mere application loads, we should not forget. I would also advise that a denied applicant try appealing in a humble but urgent manner to make his or her case. The angry response to any such denial only makes it more difficult for folks to get their applications granted.

Besides, we should blame our own local Governments for failing to help raise our trust overseas for us to be accorded the due respect, in case folks feel discriminated against. Such discrimination, if any, may not necessarily be racist but political in nature.

Long Live Ghana!!!
John Nketia 10 years ago

Such logic and calm reflection is what we need but is so often missing in too many of our analyses. Bureaucrats are bureaucrats everywhere. Their actions that may impact us negatively are not ALWAYS motivated by racism. I hop ...
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Such logic and calm reflection is what we need but is so often missing in too many of our analyses. Bureaucrats are bureaucrats everywhere. Their actions that may impact us negatively are not ALWAYS motivated by racism. I hope for heaven's sake that Ghana does not give out visas to people anytime they show up at our Embassy in DC based on their status.
OBINNA 10 years ago

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs should get involved and ask Spain for some transparency in its Visa granting procedures and, especially, with regards to this doctor's situation

Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs should get involved and ask Spain for some transparency in its Visa granting procedures and, especially, with regards to this doctor's situation
Ghaer 10 years ago

"This is where I first parted company with the esteemed doctor. He admits that the DHM has the prerogative to decide to whom a visa should be issued and yet when he exercised that prerogative, the doctor felt personally insul ...
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"This is where I first parted company with the esteemed doctor. He admits that the DHM has the prerogative to decide to whom a visa should be issued and yet when he exercised that prerogative, the doctor felt personally insulted. The next statements in the letter betrayed the reason for the doctor’s angry reaction"
You must know, Anonymous J C that prerogative powers are not exercised arbitrarily but are done with regards to principles and ethics pertaining to the issue. And when they are exercised, it does not mean that they could not be questioned or review sought and that explains why there was a process to appeal against it. Did the surgeon have all the necessary documents? Did he have enough money or evidence of enough money to travel? Did he have travel history? Did his travel history show that he was wont to overstaying his visa? Did he have strong social and economic ties in Ghana? Did he belong to terrorist group or contribute to such a group? Did he have problems with the laws of the land in Ghana or Spain?
Nero 10 years ago

I'm sure a rep from the Spanish Embassy wrote this opinion under the pseudonym "Anonymous"

I'm sure a rep from the Spanish Embassy wrote this opinion under the pseudonym "Anonymous"
Bobo 10 years ago

Nonsense!!!

Don't know where you get this dumb idea that the doctor was insulting spain.

He was stating facts to buttress his position.

I never saw them as insults except in your mind.

Unless you were playing the ...
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Nonsense!!!

Don't know where you get this dumb idea that the doctor was insulting spain.

He was stating facts to buttress his position.

I never saw them as insults except in your mind.

Unless you were playing the devil's advocate, you were way off dude.
Prince 10 years ago

This piece is by no means from Spanish Embassy. You were not smart enough to craft a Ghanaian name to put under your rejoinder? Stupid foolish pigs............

This piece is by no means from Spanish Embassy. You were not smart enough to craft a Ghanaian name to put under your rejoinder? Stupid foolish pigs............
Brew Mavis 10 years ago

I recommend/ suggest the book of Proverbs for him or better still he sees a counsellor. I think there s a problem somewhere known to him only or the economy of his country is having an impact on him. very confuse just like hi ...
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I recommend/ suggest the book of Proverbs for him or better still he sees a counsellor. I think there s a problem somewhere known to him only or the economy of his country is having an impact on him. very confuse just like his country after the denial. He needs to be helped by an expert.
M. BREW. 10 years ago

I recommend/ suggest the book of Proverbs for him or better still he sees a counsellor. I think there s a problem somewhere known to him only or the state of his country is having an impact on him. very confused after the den ...
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I recommend/ suggest the book of Proverbs for him or better still he sees a counsellor. I think there s a problem somewhere known to him only or the state of his country is having an impact on him. very confused after the denial. He needs to be helped by an expert.
Haile Aseye 10 years ago

Why that caption. ....like seriously. Its about time this embassies sit up.and am ashamed for Ghana web for writing this article.

Why that caption. ....like seriously. Its about time this embassies sit up.and am ashamed for Ghana web for writing this article.
Kwabena 10 years ago

The European Union has only ONE country that anyone can mention - Germany! Any other country is no where better than Ghana. Brazil, Argentina and Chile offers more options than Spain. Spanairds are broke people around the wor ...
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The European Union has only ONE country that anyone can mention - Germany! Any other country is no where better than Ghana. Brazil, Argentina and Chile offers more options than Spain. Spanairds are broke people around the world. This is a doctor with a reputation. And he should not have been required to submit an application. This is pure disrespect. Spain has NOTHING. South Brazil alone (not the whole Brazil) is more industrialized and far more richer than Spain. However, Spain and its people live according to some lavish standards and with so much arrogance. It is that arrogance that will destroy Spain!
Gerald 10 years ago

Spanish Embassy, your PR is very poor. Couldn't you have done a better rejoinder than this cheap propaganda? It's not a surprise that you are among the poor countries in the Euro Zone. That is why they recruited half-educated ...
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Spanish Embassy, your PR is very poor. Couldn't you have done a better rejoinder than this cheap propaganda? It's not a surprise that you are among the poor countries in the Euro Zone. That is why they recruited half-educated people like you to man the Embassy.
Nick 10 years ago

Your logic is flawed and your expectations of yourself and Africans in general is low. Some of your conclusions may be true but out are out of context.

Your logic is flawed and your expectations of yourself and Africans in general is low. Some of your conclusions may be true but out are out of context.
me know 10 years ago

This writer is full of BS. That's all I can say

This writer is full of BS. That's all I can say
Asem Beba Dabi 10 years ago

It doesn't matter if he is the United Nations General Secretary, the Spanish Consulate says it's a refusal. What's the beef?

It doesn't matter if he is the United Nations General Secretary, the Spanish Consulate says it's a refusal. What's the beef?

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Opinions

Angry Ghanaian Surgeon’s letter to the Spanish Embassy

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