Ghana will continue to be exempted from US visa sanctions and $15,000 visa bonds imposed on other countries

Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for North Tongu, has announced significant positive outcomes from a high-level engagement between Ghana and the United States, following a comprehensive review of bilateral relations.

According to the Foreign Minister, the meeting, which he hosted at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, assessed Ghana–US relations and agreed on priority areas for cooperation in 2026. The discussions also reviewed the substantial progress made in 2025. The United States delegation was led by the Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Rolf Olson.

A key outcome of the meeting was the confirmation that Ghana has been successfully exempted from visa sanctions introduced under President Donald Trump. Ghana will continue to enjoy exemption from both visa sanctions and the $15,000 visa bonds imposed on other countries.

The meeting also acknowledged the removal of President Trump’s 15 per cent tariff on a wide range of unprocessed and semi-processed agricultural products from Ghana. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the implementation of the tariff removal so far.

Another major development highlighted was the extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). The United States House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly on Monday, by 340 votes to 54, to extend AGOA by three years. AGOA grants duty-free access to the US market for eligible Sub-Saharan African countries and products. Ghana expects final approval by the US Senate shortly. The extension is expected to boost local garment production and create more jobs.

On preparations towards the World Cup, Ghana was assured that special measures have been introduced to fast-track visa applications. These measures are expected to address existing delays in securing visa appointments. The US Embassy is expected to brief the public soon at a press conference on the new World Cup Visa Application Initiatives.

The two countries also commended the improved cooperation in security and law enforcement. This collaboration led to the extradition of nine suspects from Ghana to the United States in 2025, with ongoing efforts to also transfer two Ghanaians of high interest from the US to Ghana.

The United States Government further assured Ghana that, without prejudice to judicial processes, it will not stand in the way regarding the removal of Ken Ofori-Atta and Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.

The engagement also confirmed recent payments made to US companies and noted an improved business climate, which both sides agreed provides a strong foundation for enhanced Ghana–US trade relations.

In addition, a new major health cooperation initiative between Ghana and the United States is expected to be launched soon.

Looking ahead, Hon. Ablakwa disclosed that Ghana will, in 2026, negotiate a bespoke trade agreement with the United States for the mutual benefit of both countries.

He described the current state of Ghana–US relations as having an impressive and positive momentum, reflecting growing cooperation and shared commitment between the two nations. 🇬🇭 🇺🇸