Ablakwa Assures Parliament U.S. Visa Restrictions on Ghanaian Travellers Are Temporary
Accra, Ghana – Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured Parliament that the recent visa restrictions imposed by the United States on Ghanaian nationals are temporary and part of a broader policy affecting 36 countries globally.
Responding to questions on the floor of Parliament on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that ongoing diplomatic engagements with U.S. officials aim to reverse the policy, which currently limits Ghanaian travellers to three-month single-entry visas.
“With the assurances we received from the U.S. Embassy, the three-month single entry, which is a temporary measure for those 36 countries, is part of actions being taken by President Trump in response to various violations,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
He explained that the U.S. cited visa overstays, particularly among Ghanaian students, as the main reason behind Ghana’s inclusion in the restrictive policy group.
“They claim 21 per cent of our students who have travelled over the past ten years have not returned,” he added.
Impact of New U.S. Visa Guidelines
The revised visa policy, announced by the U.S. Department of State, drastically reduces visa validity for Ghanaian non-immigrant applicants. Key changes include:
- B-class (business and tourism) and F-class (student) visas now limited to single-entry and three-month validity.
- F-1 student visas will no longer permit multiple entries during studies; students must reapply for new visas if they leave the U.S.
- Diplomats and officials (A-class visas) remain exempt, with visa durations between 24 to 60 months still in place.
Previously, Ghanaians could receive multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.
Concerns from Affected Groups
The change has sparked alarm among:
- Students, who now face increased visa costs and uncertainty;
- Businesses, whose international operations may be disrupted;
- Educational institutions, concerned about reduced academic exchange opportunities.
Government Efforts to Reverse Sanctions
Minister Ablakwa emphasized that the government is proactively working to restore Ghana’s standing and demonstrate progress on U.S. concerns.
“We are engaging. The goal is to demonstrate progress in addressing their concerns and have Ghana removed from this temporary sanctions list,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to protecting the interests of Ghanaian travellers and restoring normal visa privileges through diplomacy.
The U.S. has implemented similar restrictions on other countries, including Nigeria, under its visa reciprocity framework, which seeks equal treatment for American citizens abroad.
Please download our HOTDIGITAL ONLINE APP and follow HotDigital Online on our social media platforms to stay updated on our upcoming initiatives.
#HotDigitalHealthAwareness #CommunityHealth #GhanaNursesAssociationUK #HealthMatters #HotDigitalOnline #StrongerTogether
