Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reassured Ghanaians that the recent reversal of U.S. visa sanctions poses no threat to the country’s sovereignty or national security.
This follows a major diplomatic achievement on Friday, September 26, when the United States lifted visa restrictions it had imposed on Ghana since July. The reversal now allows Ghanaian citizens to access five-year multiple-entry visas, along with enhanced consular benefits.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, September 28, Mr. Ablakwa dismissed growing speculation and misinformation surrounding the deal.
“Since Ghana became the only country under U.S. visa restrictions to secure a reversal from the Trump Administration, an avalanche of conspiracy theories has emerged. I respectfully urge Ghanaians to ignore the conspiracy theorists and scaremongers,” he wrote.
To clarify the terms of the new arrangement, the Minister offered five key assurances:
- Ghana will not become a dumping ground for deportees from the U.S.
- No criminals are being accepted into Ghana.
- The limited agreement to accept pre-vetted West African nationals with no criminal records is in line with ECOWAS protocols.
- Ghana’s national security and stability remain fully intact.
- Ongoing negotiations with the U.S. include broader issues such as tariffs, trade opportunities, and the future of AGOA.
Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that under the Mahama administration, Ghana is actively engaging with the U.S. on matters beyond removals — including the reassessment of the 15% tariff on Ghanaian exports, discussions on a special bilateral trade agreement, and the continuation of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which plays a crucial role in sustaining Ghana’s garment industry.
“The Mahama Administration deeply cares for you. We are committed to protecting our strategic national interests and ensuring that all diplomatic gains translate into tangible benefits for every Ghanaian,” the Minister emphasized.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has described the lifting of the sanctions as a diplomatic milestone, noting that Ghana remains the only country to have successfully negotiated such a reversal from the U.S.
