Ghana Exempted from Latest US Visa Restrictions – Ablakwa Confirms

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that Ghana has been exempted from the latest round of US visa restrictions, announced on Tuesday, December 16.

The Trump administration recently expanded travel restrictions to 20 additional countries and the Palestinian Authority, effectively doubling the number of nations affected by earlier limits on travel and immigration to the United States.

Speaking during a farewell parade for Ghana Army Engineers deployed to Jamaica for reconstruction efforts on Wednesday, December 17, Minister Ablakwa said Ghana’s exemption reflects the strong and cordial ties between the two countries.

“Last night, in the latest round of US visa restrictions, which affected almost all our neighbours, President Trump once again exempted our brother country, the Republic of Ghana. We are grateful to President Mahama for leading our foreign policy efforts,” he stated.

The US administration cited security concerns as the reason for the expanded restrictions, which will take effect on January 1. Full-entry bans will apply to nationals from Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, and Syria, as well as holders of Palestinian Authority passports.

Additionally, Laos and Sierra Leone, previously under partial restrictions, have been moved to the full ban list, while partial restrictions now apply to 15 other countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.

The Trump administration explained that the expansion is intended to address perceived failures in overseas screening and vetting systems, citing issues such as high visa overstay rates, unreliable civil records, corruption, terrorist activity, and non-cooperation with deported nationals.

Ghana’s exemption, Ablakwa emphasized, is a testament to its diplomatic engagement and the robust bilateral relationship with the United States.