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The Government of Ghana has formally responded to the recent revision of the US visa reciprocity schedule, which significantly affects Ghanaian travelers. The new policy by the US Government reduces the validity of B1/B2 visas issued to Ghanaians from five years multiple entry to just three months single entry.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on July 10, the Ghanaian government expressed deep concern over the decision, acknowledging the inconvenience it poses to citizens traveling to the US for professional, educational, medical, business, and family reasons. The Ministry, however, reiterated Ghana’s respect for the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa regime but emphasized that the new limitations differ substantially from the longstanding reciprocal visa arrangements between the two nations.
The Government of Ghana assured the public of its commitment to engaging its US counterparts diplomatically to resolve the issue. It noted that while the policy change is linked to concerns over visa overstays by some Ghanaian nationals, efforts are being made to ensure applicants adhere strictly to US visa application requirements and conduct expectations.
Providing statistics, the Ministry disclosed that from January to date, Ghana’s missions in Washington D.C. and New York have issued over 40,648 visas to US citizens, with approximately 70% being long-term multiple entry visas. Of these, 28,626 were multiple-entry visas, indicating Ghana’s continued adherence to generous and cooperative bilateral arrangements.
The Ministry also clarified that US passport holders are routinely granted five-year multiple entry visas to Ghana, with other flexible options ranging from six months to four years based on various considerations.
As part of Ghana’s diplomatic efforts, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, led a delegation of senior officials to Washington, D.C., for high-level talks with US counterparts. These discussions reportedly yielded significant outcomes and established a roadmap for continued engagement on matters of mutual concern.
The statement affirmed the Ghanaian government’s dedication under President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership to deepening relations with the United States, stressing that all engagements are focused on enhancing people-to-people connections and the shared interests of both countries.
The Government pledged to pursue the matter at the highest levels and remain open to a collaborative solution that upholds the integrity of Ghana’s visa policies while fostering stronger bilateral ties with the United States.
