US Lifts Visa Restrictions on Ghana in Major Diplomatic Win

The breakthrough was announced by Ghana's representative following a high-level bilateral meeting with US officials on the sidelines of the 78th United Nations General Assembly. The news was delivered directly by the US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker.

"I am really pleased that months of high-level diplomatic negotiations have led to a successful outcome," the Ghanaian official stated, expressing clear satisfaction with the result. "It’s good to see healthier and stronger Ghana-USA relations."

The reversal marks a swift end to a contentious policy imposed by the Trump Administration in July of this year. At the time, the US cited "many years of visa overstays mainly by students" as the reason for imposing severe limitations on Ghana. The sanctions downgraded visa privileges for Ghanaian citizens to a maximum of three-month, single-entry visas, creating significant hurdles for business travellers, students, and tourists.

The move was met with immediate concern in Ghana, prompting what officials describe as intense diplomatic engagement. Today’s announcement signals that these negotiations have addressed the US government's concerns, paving the way for a return to normal consular relations.

The restoration of the five-year, multiple-entry visas is expected to be met with relief by a wide cross-section of Ghanaians. It simplifies travel planning, reduces application costs, and facilitates stronger business, educational, and cultural ties between the two nations.

The development is being hailed as a testament to the strength of bilateral dialogue and is seen as a positive step in reinforcing the long-standing partnership between Ghana and the United States.

Source: Nana Esi Brew Monney