Ghana Not Affected by US Green Card Suspension – Foreign Affairs Minister
Foreign Affairs Ministry Confirms Country Is Not Affected by Latest US Immigration Measures
- Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed that Ghana is not among the countries affected by the latest US Green Card review and temporary immigration suspension
- The confirmation followed a formal briefing from the Acting US Ambassador to Ghana after concerns were raised over new immigration measures announced by the US government
- Discussions also covered visa restoration, removal of cocoa tariffs, security cooperation, trade under AGOA
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has assured Ghanaians that the country has not been affected by the United States government’s latest Green Card review and temporary immigration restrictions.
According to the Minister, this assurance followed a formal briefing he received from the Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, Rolf Olson, who confirmed that Ghana is not among the countries under review or suspension.
Mr. Ablakwa disclosed the outcome of the meeting on Monday, December 1, 2025, explaining that the discussions focused on recent developments in Ghana–US relations, particularly clarifying concerns surrounding the immigration measures announced by Donald Trump’s administration.
Last week, US authorities were directed to review Green Card holders from selected countries following a deadly shooting involving an Afghan national that claimed the lives of two National Guard members. However, no official list of affected or exempted countries has been publicly released.
Beyond immigration, the meeting also touched on several key bilateral issues. These included efforts toward the restoration of five-year visas for Ghanaian travelers, the possible removal of the 15% tariffs on cocoa, semi-processed cocoa, and other qualifying agricultural exports, as well as arrangements for Ghanaian supporters attending upcoming World Cup activities.
On security matters, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthened cooperation under the Defence Cooperation Agreement, with plans for increased intelligence sharing and expanded training exercises involving US military aviation assets, all to be coordinated through Ghanaian authorities.
Touching on trade, Mr. Ablakwa said Ghana remains hopeful about sustaining negotiations under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), stressing government’s determination to pursue trade agreements that deliver the best value for the country.
He concluded by emphasizing that Ghana’s national interest remains the guiding principle in all engagements with the United States.
