Ghana secures complete reversal of US visa restrictions

Ghana secured a complete reversal of US visa restrictions, making it the only country to achieve this under the Trump administration.

The outcome was negotiated in Ghana’s best interest.

President John Dramani Mahama made this known during the commissioning of ambassadors and high commissioners at the Presidency on Wednesday.

“Let me state clearly that this outcome was negotiated in Ghana’s best interest. One of the key points in our negotiation with the US authorities was our agreement to address the issue of overstayers who travel on student visas and others who travel as part of official government delegations,” he revealed.

The President explained that the restrictions were imposed because some Ghanaians who travel to the US on various visas overstay instead of returning home.

“I mean, these are people who go and instead of coming back, they decide to stay. And so they have the record, so when they draw the threshold and you’re above it, then they cancel your 5-year visas and bring you to B-5, B-3. So we give assurances that we’ll work with them to make sure that our people are not overstaying,” he said.

President Mahama appealed to Ghanaians applying for visas to return after their trips. 

“So those of you applying for visas, please, when you go, come back. Because you affect everybody else,” he urged.

He emphasized that no financial contribution was part of the understanding between Ghana and the United States. 

“Let me also emphasise that there was no financial contribution as part of the understanding between Ghana and the United States,” he said.

The President also informed the diplomats that negotiations are ongoing with regards to the trade tariffs of 15 percent and the renewal of AGOA which was a 0 percent tariff on African nations.

President Mahama assured Ghanaians that the understanding with the US does not undermine the country’s sovereignty, security or stability.

“Ghana will not, and I repeat, will not become a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we accept individuals with criminal backgrounds. The understanding with the United States is limited, carefully vetted, and aligned with ECOWAS protocols. It reflects Ghana’s Pan-African commitment to regional cooperation while safeguarding our dignity and sovereignty,” he said.

He urged the envoys to share this clarity whenever questions arise, saying, diplomacy involves more than just negotiation. It also encompasses managing perceptions and safeguarding your nation’s reputation.

The commissioning ceremony was the second batch of ambassadors and high commissioners to be appointed by the President. 

The first group was commissioned on September 4.

Richard Aniagyei, ISD