The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has explained why Ghana was excluded from the latest United States visa restrictions, even as several neighbouring countries were affected.
Under the new directive, the U.S. imposed a full travel ban on nationals from five additional countries, including Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, South Sudan and Syria, as well as on holders of travel documents issued by the Palestinian Authority.
In addition, 15 other countries were placed under partial restrictions. These include Nigeria, Angola, Benin, Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Ghana, unlike many countries in the sub-region, was not included on either the fully banned list or the partially restricted list.
According to Mr Ablakwa, Ghana’s exclusion is the result of the country’s strong compliance with international travel, immigration and security standards, as well as the depth of its diplomatic relations with the United States.
He noted that Ghana’s global standing, built on credible documentation systems and effective security cooperation, continues to earn the confidence of U.S. authorities.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also attributed the development to the direction of Ghana’s foreign policy under President John Dramani Mahama, describing it as a reflection of experience, expertise and an unwavering commitment to the long-standing principle of being “friends of all and enemies to none.”
He added that the cordial relationship between President Mahama and former U.S. President Donald Trump has further strengthened bilateral trust, helping to position Ghana as a reliable partner at a time when visa restrictions are tightening across the sub-region.
