US visa reversal won’t undermine Ghana’s security – Ablakwa assures

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has assured Ghanaians that the recent reversal of US visa restrictions comes with no hidden costs to the country’s sovereignty or security.

His clarification follows Ghana’s major diplomatic breakthrough on Friday, September 26, when the United States lifted visa sanctions imposed on Ghana in July.

The decision now allows Ghanaians to apply for five-year multiple-entry visas along with other enhanced consular privileges.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa dismissed what he described as “an avalanche of conspiracy theories and scaremongers” that emerged after the announcement.

“Since Ghana became the only country under US visa restrictions to secure a reversal from the Trump Administration, an avalanche of conspiracy theories have been making the rounds. May I respectfully ask that you ignore the conspiracy theorists and scaremongers,” he said.

The Foreign Affairs Minister offered five assurances to Ghanaians:

Ghana will not be a dumping ground for US removals.

Ghana is not accepting criminals from the US.

The limited agreement to accept pre-vetted West African nationals without criminal records aligns with ECOWAS protocols.

The deal will not undermine Ghana’s security or stability.

Ongoing negotiations with the US go beyond removals, covering tariffs, trade opportunities, and the future of AGOA.

Mr. Ablakwa stressed that the Mahama administration’s engagement with the US includes a push for a reassessment of the 15% tariff on Ghana, exploration of a special bilateral trade deal, and talks on the future of AGOA, which remains vital to Ghanaian garment exports.

“The Mahama Administration deeply cares for you — we shall keep working tirelessly to protect our strategic national interest, and we shall ensure our best efforts benefit all Ghanaians,” he said.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry described the development as a diplomatic milestone, positioning Ghana as the only country to have successfully negotiated a reversal of US visa sanctions