The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has formally responded to the recent decision by the United States government to revise its visa reciprocity schedule for several African countries, including Ghana.
The change, announced earlier this week by the U.S. Embassy, reduces the validity of B1/B2 (business and tourism) visas for Ghanaian applicants from five-year multiple-entry to just three-month single-entry.
In a statement dated July 11, the Ministry acknowledged that the revision is primarily due to concerns over visa overstays by Ghanaian nationals. It assured the public that the Government of Ghana is committed to working swiftly and collaboratively with the U.S. Government to address these issues and restore the previous visa arrangement.
“While the Government of Ghana studies the current developments more closely 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,” the statement read.
The Ministry emphasized the importance of Ghanaian applicants adhering to U.S. visa application rules and procedures, and called for responsible conduct when granted travel privileges.
Addressing misinformation circulating online, the Ministry clarified that approximately 70.42% of visas issued by Ghana’s missions to U.S. passport holders are long-term, multiple-entry visas—evidence of Ghana’s ongoing commitment to facilitating travel and deepening bilateral ties.
The statement further acknowledged the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travelers, especially those seeking entry to the U.S. for business, education, tourism, healthcare, and family visits. It reiterated Ghana’s solidarity with all affected by the new restrictions.
While recognizing the sovereign right of every nation to determine its own visa policies, the Ministry noted that the newly imposed U.S. limitations deviate significantly from existing reciprocal arrangements previously maintained between the two nations.
The statement concluded with a strong reaffirmation of Ghana’s dedication to its long-standing relationship with the United States and its desire to strengthen cooperation across all sectors.
The response comes after Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), recently led a high-level delegation to engage with U.S. counterparts on pressing bilateral concerns, including immigration and visa policy.
