US leaves Ghana out of new visa curbs – Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that Ghana has been excluded from the latest round of US visa restrictions announced on Tuesday, December 16.

The Donald Trump administration unveiled plans to widen travel limits to 20 more countries and the Palestinian Authority, effectively doubling the scope of earlier restrictions on travel and immigration to the United States.

Addressing a farewell ceremony on Wednesday, December 17, for Ghana Army Engineers heading to Jamaica for reconstruction support, Ablakwa said Ghana’s exclusion reflects the strong diplomatic ties between Accra and Washington.

“Last night, in the newest phase of US visa restrictions that affected nearly all our neighbours, President Trump once again exempted our sister country, the Republic of Ghana,” he stated.

He added that the government was appreciative of President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership in steering Ghana’s foreign policy.

Under the expanded measures, the US has imposed a full travel ban on nationals of five additional countries and on individuals travelling with Palestinian Authority-issued documents. The White House said the measures, which take effect on January 1, are aimed at safeguarding US national security.

Countries facing full bans include Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, along with holders of Palestinian Authority passports. Laos and Sierra Leone, previously under partial restrictions, have also been moved to the full ban category, while partial limits now apply to 15 countries, including Nigeria, Tanzania and Zimbabwe.

President Trump, who has pursued stricter immigration policies since returning to office in January, said the expanded ban was prompted by shortcomings in overseas screening and vetting processes. US officials pointed to high visa overstay rates, weak civil documentation systems, corruption, terrorism concerns and limited cooperation in accepting deported nationals.