Time For A Commonwealth Passport And Currency

16 Jan 2011 186 blogs, opinion
For Ghanaians residing in Ghana, visa acquirement to some countries within the EU has become very difficult of late. Most of the countries within the EU have tightened the procedure by which a visa could be issued, especially to those from Africa. For instance, visa applicants from Ghana are subjected to all kinds of scrutiny before they’re even considered. Quite recently, a Ghanaian friend of mine decided to invite a relative over. As customary, the friend-in question, was asked to fill out the necessary papers, which he did unreservedly. Information on his source of income was given to the brim. The relative in Ghana was also sent a special form to fill out. In this form, the relative was asked to declare his assets. He too complied without hesitation. Regrettably enough for him, he was turned down. Yes, he was rejected to his dismay! He was informed that his income didn’t warrant him a visa. In his case, he was considered not rich enough to be given a visa to visit Europe. Indeed, how insulting and preposterous! This particular case isn’t unique at all. Certainly, it isn’t the first time that a visa applicant from Ghana has been rejected on financial grounds. Mind you, many have met similar fate! Having said, why have the Europeans made it almost impossible for Africans to acquire a visa to Europe? Is this their way of telling us that they don’t want us in their country? In comparison to a Ghanaian, an American could travel to Europe without any scrutiny. He/she would be allowed in without having to declare his/her assets. It seems to me that the visa application laws in Europe change with a person’s nationality. For instance, if you’re from Ghana, then you better be rich before you could be issued a visa. Ironically, if you’re from America or any Western country, then you don’t have to. You could go and come as you please. For you, the door is always open regardless of your financial status! Dear reader, where is the fairness in this for the Ghanaian who wants to travel? Ever since I could remember, Europeans have been coming to Ghana without us asking them anything. They come on a visit without us asking them to declare their assets before been issued a visa. In fact, we spare them the agony, which they subject us to-whenever we apply for a visa to their country. But then, we aren’t like them. Please, let’s be clear on this! Our brains are wired differently. They way in which we see them isn’t they way in which they see us. The Europeans feel that they should have the freedom to travel, not us. Apparently, they want us to stay where we are! Hence, their penchant for rejecting visa applicants from Africa. That said, if we Ghanaians are to travel to see the world without the emphasis on our assets or income, then we must find a way to even the score. My suggestion is; a Commonwealth passport for all Commonwealth citizens. Ghana is part of the Commonwealth, but so is Britain, Australia, India, and the remaining fifty member states. Apart from a Commonwealth passport, the Commonwealth could even come up with its own currency. This would enable the weak members states within the Commonwealth to be at par with the strong ones. For instance, prior to the euro, countries like Belgium, Portugal, Spain, Cyprus and Italy weren’t economically strong. In fact, their currencies didn’t value much. Nowadays, these aforementioned countries are thriving because of the euro currency. Most importantly, their respective economies are in the surplus. It’s reported that the Commonwealth has a combined gross domestic product of $10.6 trillion. The EU, on the other hand, has a GDP of $657.31 billion. This means that the Commonwealth, should it go the way of the EU, has the potential to issue a currency, which would and could topple the euro. For the Commonwealth member states in Africa-this currency, if issued, would propel their economies to great heights. For instance, job creation would be more, and migration to foreign shores due to poverty would be less. For once, we Africans would be able to trade with a strong currency in hand. Indeed, for us, this could be a golden opportunity with endless socio-economic possibilities. So, why aren’t the Commonwealth member states in Africa pursing this goal to their benefit? Why isn’t this on their agenda? This is the question! Welcome 2 the age of Consciousness!

Source: The Emperor