Connect with us

News

U.S. State Department cracks down on Birth Tourism networks worldwide

Published

on

The United States Department of State says it is taking steps to stop what it describes as the abuse of the country’s immigration system through birth tourism schemes.

According to the department, under the administration of President Donald Trump, efforts have been intensified to prevent foreign nationals from obtaining visitor visas primarily to travel to the United States and give birth so their children can acquire U.S. citizenship.

The State Department disclosed that a U.S. embassy in West Africa uncovered a sophisticated birth tourism network involving more than 100 foreign nationals.

It said the individuals used fraudulent documents and visa “fixers” to obtain visas for travel to the United States.

Advertisement

Officials indicated that the operation was shut down and the visas of those involved were revoked.

The department added that it is working with local authorities to identify and dismantle similar networks operating in the region.

In Europe, the department said a U.S. embassy identified more than 400 suspected birth tourism cases since 2024.

Investigators reportedly linked the cases to at least six companies that coached visa applicants on how to answer questions during interviews, arranged accommodation in the United States, and organized childbirth plans.

Advertisement

The State Department said the companies’ activities were halted, the visas of those involved were revoked, and several individuals accused of fraud were permanently barred from entering the United States.

Meanwhile, in North Africa, a U.S. embassy revoked more than 100 visas issued to parents who allegedly travelled to the United States mainly to give birth so their children could obtain U.S. citizenship.

The department said consular officers, working with law enforcement agencies and using data analytics, identified several networks that were abusing the visa system and took action against them.

The State Department stressed that a U.S. visa is a privilege and not a right.

Advertisement

It said it will continue to take action globally to stop birth tourism schemes, dismantle fraudulent networks, and hold accountable individuals who attempt to misuse the U.S. immigration system.

By: Jacob Aggrey

News

Egypt to host inaugural Alamein Africa Forum in new Coastal Smart City

Published

on

Egypt will host Africa’s new flagship business summit this October, as leaders from across the continent converge in the newly built smart city of New Alamein for the inaugural Alamein Africa Forum.

The forum is scheduled for October 2-4, 2026 in New Alamein, Egypt’s fourth-generation coastal megacity.

The city combines advanced infrastructure, modern residential districts, international universities, cultural landmarks, and major tourism and investment projects under one master plan.

Dubbed “the continent’s premier gathering where political power meets entrepreneurial prowess,” the forum is expected to bring together over 20 African Heads of State and Government, senior leaders from leading international and regional financial institutions, and key players driving transformation across Africa’s most critical sectors.

Advertisement

Co-organised by the Government of Egypt, African Export-Import Bank, and AUDA-NEPAD, the Alamein Africa Forum is designed as a permanent biennial platform to advance strategic partnerships and unlock investment across Africa and global markets.[Afreximbank]

The agenda will focus on sectors defining Africa’s future: infrastructure, energy, digital transformation, manufacturing, critical minerals, health markets, and intra-African trade*.

The programme will feature high-level plenary sessions, sector-focused panels, closed-door roundtables, and structured B2B and B2G meetings aimed at facilitating concrete deals and long-term partnerships.

Special sessions will also highlight Egypt’s role as a regional hub and gateway to African markets.

Advertisement

The inaugural forum will be held in parallel with the 2026 African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting and the 33rd Annual Meetings of Afreximbank.

Organizers say the forum will serve as a launchpad to translate the African Union’s 50-year strategic master plan, Agenda 2063, into concrete projects, policies and partnerships that will define Africa’s economic trajectory for the next decade.

“In an era of shifting alliances and rising volatility, Africa can no longer afford to be a bystander in decisions that shape its own economic future,” organizers stated.

The forum aims to place the private-sector agenda at the heart of AU decision-making, lower investment risk, unlock capital, and build cross-border partnerships to strengthen Africa’s resilience to external shocks.

Advertisement

Located on Egypt’s Mediterranean coast, New Alamein represents Egypt’s vision for smart, sustainable urban development. Hosting the forum there is expected to showcase the city as both a symbol of African modernization and a hub for investment and innovation.

By bringing public and private sector leadership into one alliance, the Alamein Africa Forum is positioned to become Africa’s go-to space for turning commitments into implementation.

By Chris KONEY, for Egyptian Embassy, ACCRA.

Advertisement
Continue Reading

News

Gomashie urges Bono Region to leverage culture and tourism for growth

Published

on

Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on stakeholders in the Bono Region to raise the bar on professionalism and patriotism if the region is to unlock its full tourism potential.

Speaking during a familiarisation tour of the region, the Minister met with staff of the Centre for National Culture (CNC) and Metropolitan, Municipal and District Chief Executives (MMDCs).

The engagement focused on how to position Bono as a leading cultural and tourism destination in Ghana.

Gomashie challenged public institutions to take a cue from the private sector by improving service delivery and embracing efficiency.

Advertisement

“Our institutions must be intentional about the way we serve the public,” she said, adding that “We need stronger collaboration and public-private partnerships to attract the right investment and build the tourism infrastructure that will make Bono competitive.”

The Minister urged MMDCs to work hand-in-hand with the Ministry and its agencies to identify, develop and promote key tourist attractions in their districts.

She also stressed the importance of preserving cultural heritage while creating an enabling environment for investors in tourism, culture and the creative arts.

The Minister added that “Tourism is not just about beautiful sites. It is about stories, about our heritage, and about the opportunities we create for our people.”

Advertisement

“This work we do today is not for ourselves alone. It is for Ghana and for generations yet unborn,” she noted.

Dzifa Gomashie further called on all stakeholders to build on the foundation inherited from previous leaders and leave behind a stronger, more vibrant sector.

The tour forms part of the Ministry’s efforts to decentralize tourism development and ensure every region benefits from Ghana’s growing creative economy.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme

Advertisement
Continue Reading
Advertisement

Trending