Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has reassured Ghanaians that the recent reversal of US visa restrictions does not compromise the country’s sovereignty or security.
The comments follow Ghana’s diplomatic milestone on Friday, September 26, when the United States lifted the visa sanctions it had imposed in July. The reversal now allows Ghanaians to apply for five-year multiple-entry visas and enjoy other expanded consular benefits.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Sunday, September 28, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa addressed what he described as “an avalanche of conspiracy theories and scaremongers” following 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 stated.
The Minister offered five key assurances to Ghanaians:
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Ghana will not be used as a dumping ground for US deportees.
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The country is not accepting criminals from the US.
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The limited arrangement to accept pre-screened West African nationals without criminal backgrounds complies with ECOWAS rules.
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The deal poses no risk to Ghana’s national security or stability.
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Ongoing discussions with the US extend beyond removals to include tariffs, trade, and the future of AGOA.
Mr. Ablakwa further emphasized that the Mahama administration is actively negotiating with Washington to review the 15% tariff on Ghana, explore a possible special bilateral trade agreement, and secure the future of AGOA, which is crucial for Ghana’s garment exports.
“The Mahama Administration deeply cares for you — we shall keep working tirelessly to protect our strategic national interests, and we shall ensure our best efforts benefit all Ghanaians,” he added.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry hailed the development as a significant diplomatic achievement, highlighting that Ghana is the only country to have successfully negotiated a reversal of US visa sanctions.
Source: Adomonline
