Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially responded to the U.S. Embassy regarding the recent announcement by the U.S. government, which revised the visa reciprocity schedule for several African countries, including Ghana. Under the new policy, the validity of B1/B2 visas for Ghanaian applicants has been reduced from five five-year of multiple-entry to a three-month single-entry visa.
In a statement dated July 11, the Ministry expressed optimism about reaching an early resolution, acknowledging that these changes were primarily related to issues of visa overstays. The Government of Ghana has shown its commitment to working swiftly and collaboratively with the U.S. Government to address the concerns that led to the revision of the visa reciprocity schedule.
It emphasized the importance of ensuring that Ghanaian applicants comply with the visa application procedures and requirements set by the United States. “While the Government of Ghana closely examines the current developments and considers its options, it remains committed to working expeditiously with its longstanding partner, the U.S. Government.”
“We hope for an early resolution of the concerns that have led to the revision of the schedule which have been confirmed to be overstays, including by ensuring that the conduct of applicants align with the visa application procedures and requirements of the United States,” the statement added.
The Ministry refuted circulating misinformation, clarifying that approximately 70.42% of visas issued by Ghana’s missions to U.S. passport holders were long-term, multiple-entry visas.
This, the Ministry said, reflects Ghana’s sustained commitment to promoting travel and strengthening bilateral relations.
The Ministry also acknowledged the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers to the United States—for professional, business, educational, tourism, medical, and family-related purposes—and expressed strong solidarity with all those affected by the recent changes.
“Ghana recognises the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa regime, but notes that the present limitations imposed by the United States varies substantially the prior reciprocal arrangements that Ghana has kept with the United States,” the statement said.
The statement reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to prioritising Ghana’s relations with the United States and its determination to strengthen cooperation across all areas for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), recently led a delegation of high-level officials to engage with their U.S. counterparts on matters of mutual concern.
By: Leticia Osei
