Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially responded to the U.S. Embassy following the recent announcement by the U.S. government revising the visa reciprocity schedule for several African countries, including Ghana.
Under the revised policy, the validity of B1/B2 visas for Ghanaian applicants has been reduced from five years multiple-entry to a three-month single-entry visa.
In a statement dated July 11, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs conveyed optimism about reaching an early resolution, acknowledging that the changes were primarily linked to issues of visa overstays.
The Government of Ghana has expressed its commitment to working swiftly and collaboratively with the U.S. Government to address the concerns that led to the revision of the visa reciprocity schedule.
It further emphasized the importance of ensuring that the conduct of Ghanaian applicants aligns with the visa application procedures and requirements of the United States.
“While the Government of Ghana studies the current developments more closely and considers its options, Government remains committed to working expeditiously with its longstanding partner, the US Government.
“We hope for an early resolution of the concerns that have led to the revision of the schedule which have been confirmed to be overstays, including by ensuring that the conduct of applicants align with the visa application procedures and requirements of the United States,” the statement added.
The Ministry refuted circulating misinformation, clarifying that approximately 70.42% of visas issued by Ghana’s missions to U.S. passport holders were long-term, multiple-entry visas.
This, the Ministry said, reflects Ghana’s sustained commitment to promoting travel and strengthening bilateral relations.
The Ministry also acknowledged the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travelers to the United States—for professional, business, educational, tourism, medical, and family-related purposes—and expressed strong solidarity with all those affected by the recent changes.
“Ghana recognises the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa regime, but notes that the present limitations imposed by the United States varies substantially the prior reciprocal arrangements that Ghana has kept with the United States,” the statement said.
The statement reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to prioritising Ghana’s relations with the United States and its determination to strengthen cooperation across all areas for the mutual benefit of both countries.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), recently led a delegation of high-level officials to engage with their U.S. counterparts on matters of mutual concern.
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