Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reassured Ghanaians that the recent lifting of US visa restrictions does not entail any concealed costs to the nation’s sovereignty or security.
His statement comes in the wake of Ghana’s significant diplomatic achievement on Friday, September 26, when the United States removed visa sanctions that had been imposed on Ghana in July.
This decision now permits Ghanaians to apply for five-year multiple-entry visas, along with additional enhanced consular privileges.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa refuted what he termed as “an avalanche of conspiracy theories and scaremongers” that surfaced following the announcement.
“Since Ghana became the sole nation under US visa restrictions to achieve a reversal from the Trump Administration, a wave of conspiracy theories has been circulating. I kindly request that you disregard the conspiracy theorists and scaremongers,” he stated.
The Foreign Affairs Minister provided five assurances to Ghanaians:
- Ghana will not serve as a dumping ground for US removals.
- Ghana will not accept criminals from the US.
- The limited agreement to accept pre-vetted West African nationals without criminal records is in accordance with ECOWAS protocols.
- The agreement will not compromise Ghana’s security or stability.
- Ongoing discussions with the US extend beyond removals, encompassing tariffs, trade opportunities, and the future of AGOA.
Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that the Mahama administration’s engagement with the US includes advocating for a review of the 15% tariff on Ghana, exploring a special bilateral trade agreement, and discussing the future of AGOA, which is crucial for Ghanaian garment exports.
“The Mahama Administration is deeply committed to you — we will continue to work diligently to safeguard our strategic national interests, ensuring that our best efforts benefit all Ghanaians,” he concluded.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs characterized this development as a significant diplomatic achievement, establishing Ghana as the sole nation to have effectively negotiated the lifting of US visa sanctions.
