Ghana Secures Reversals,Ignore conspiracy theories 

September 29, 2025 

Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has dismissed conspiracy theories surrounding the reversal of US visa restrictions on Ghana, asserting that the country has secured significant diplomatic gains without compromising national security.

Major Diplomatic Victory

Ghana has become the only country to successfully reverse US visa restrictions imposed by the Trump Administration. The reversal means Ghanaians are now eligible for five-year multiple-entry visas and enhanced consular privileges, a significant improvement from the restrictive three-month single-entry visas imposed in July 2025.

Minister Ablakwa received the confirmation directly from US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, during a bilateral meeting on Friday, September 26, at the margins of the UN General Assembly.

Government's Response to Critics

Following the announcement, critics raised concerns about whether the visa reversal was linked to Ghana's acceptance of West African deportees from the United States. Minister Ablakwa has issued comprehensive assurances to address public concerns:

Key Government Assurances:

• Ghana will not serve as a dumping ground for US removals
• The country is not accepting criminals from the United States
• Only a very limited number of pre-vetted West African nationals without criminal backgrounds will be accepted, consistent with ECOWAS protocols
• The arrangement will not undermine Ghana's security and stability
• Negotiations extend beyond deportation issues

Broader Negotiation Agenda

Minister Ablakwa revealed that ongoing negotiations with the US government cover multiple strategic areas:

1. Reassessment of the 15% tariff imposed on Ghana
2. A special Ghana-US trade deal
3. Specific requests from US companies
4. Discussions on the future of AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act), crucial for Ghanaian garment companies

Political Opposition

Several critics have questioned the government's approach. Franklin Cudjoe, Founding President of IMANI Africa, suggested Ghana could have negotiated more favorable terms, particularly regarding tariff reductions.

Assin South MP Rev John Ntim Fordjour criticized the government for accepting deportees without prior parliamentary approval, alleging constitutional breaches and claiming the deportation agreement served as a condition for lifting visa restrictions.

Background on Visa Restrictions

The US imposed visa restrictions on Ghana in July 2025, citing many years of visa overstays, mainly by students. The restrictions limited most non-immigrant visa holders to single-entry visas valid for just three months, affecting business travelers, tourists, and students who previously enjoyed multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.

The Mahama Administration maintains that its diplomatic efforts prioritize Ghana's strategic national interests while benefiting all Ghanaians.