The United States has lifted visa restrictions on Ghana, restoring longer stays and expanded consular services.
Officials hailed the move as a diplomatic breakthrough strengthening travel, business and bilateral relations between both nations.
The United States has ended visa restrictions on Ghana, restoring eligibility for five-year, multiple-entry visas and expanded consular services for Ghanaian travelers.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the development in a post on X after meeting with U.S. Undersecretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
The move comes after months of diplomatic negotiations and follows Ghana’s decision to accept West African deportees transferred by the U.S. from Nigeria and other countries. President John Mahama previously said the policy aligns with ECOWAS free-movement protocols, which allow citizens from member states to enter Ghana without visas.
Washington first imposed the visa restrictions in July as part of a broader review affecting Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon and Ethiopia. The measures had reduced visa validity periods and limited entry opportunities, creating difficulties for travelers, students and business people.
With Ghana agreeing to take in deportees and sustaining diplomatic engagement, the U.S. has now reversed the policy. Ablakwa hailed the decision as a significant achievement for Ghana and a sign of strengthening bilateral ties between the two countries.
