Ghana Responds to U.S. Visa Restrictions, Urges Calm as Talks Advance

The Government of Ghana has officially responded to the United States’ recent decision to sharply reduce visa validity for Ghanaian citizens, describing the move as a deviation from long-standing reciprocal arrangements while reaffirming its commitment to constructive dialogue and strong bilateral relations.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government acknowledged the U.S. Government’s revision of its B1/B2 visa regime for Ghana, which now limits Ghanaian travellers to a three-month single-entry visa, a significant downgrade from the previous five-year multiple-entry arrangement.
The change, which forms part of a broader review affecting several African nations, has sparked concern among Ghanaian citizens, especially frequent travellers for business, education, medical care, and family visits.
“The Ministry acknowledges the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers… and expresses its firm solidarity with all those inconvenienced,” the statement read.
While recognizing the sovereign right of any country to determine its visa policies, the Ministry stressed that the current U.S. position sharply diverges from Ghana’s existing practice. Ghana, according to the statement, continues to issue long-term visas to U.S. citizens, up to five years in many cases, demonstrating its commitment to reciprocal cooperation.
Overstays at the Core
U.S. authorities have reportedly cited visa overstays by Ghanaian nationals as a primary reason for the changes. The Ghanaian government, in response, said it was closely studying the matter and working to ensure that applicants better align with U.S. visa requirements.
Despite the setback, the government emphasized that diplomatic channels remain open and active. Just last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa led a high-level delegation to the United States to discuss mutual concerns. The talks, according to the statement, yielded “significant outcomes” and laid a clear path for further engagement.
Visa Statistics Reveal Ghana’s Good Faith
Backing its argument with data, the government revealed that between January and July 2025 alone, Ghana’s missions in Washington D.C. and New York issued 40,648 visas, out of which over 28,600 (approximately 70.4%) were multiple-entry visas—mostly valid for up to five years—to U.S. passport holders.
“This is contrary to false narratives,” the statement stressed, adding that Ghana’s visa policy for Americans includes a flexible range from six months to five years, depending on specific considerations.
Balancing National Interests and Global Partnerships
The statement, signed on July 10, reaffirmed President John Dramani Mahama’s administration’s dedication to deepening cooperation with the United States. “Government will, at its highest levels, sustain best efforts in strengthening relations with the United States in a manner that further enhances people-to-people relations,” it added.
As Ghana navigates these diplomatic waters, officials are urging calm among the travelling public, promising that efforts are being made to resolve the issue in a way that reflects the country’s longstanding friendship with the United States.
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The U.S. State Department recently reduced visa validity for several African nations over immigration concerns.
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Ghana has maintained five-year multiple-entry visas for U.S. citizens, making the U.S. decision a notable departure from reciprocity.
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Ghana’s latest data on visas shows a majority of U.S. applicants benefit from long-term visa privileges.