The United States has lifted visa restrictions on Ghana after reaching deportation deal with the West Africa nation
Under the new deal, the US announced it has restored five-year multiple-entry visas and other enhanced consular privileges for Ghanaian citizens.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, confirmed the development on Friday, saying months of high-level diplomatic negotiations had successfully led to the outcome.
“I am really pleased that months of high-level diplomatic negotiations has led to a successful outcome,” Ablakwa stated, describing the development as a “big win for Ghana”.
The US Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, said during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly that Ghanaian citizens can now enjoy greater mobility and opportunities with the restored visa privileges.
According to Ablakwa, lifting of the restrictions signals improved relations between Accra and Washington. “It’s good to see healthier and stronger Ghana-USA relations. For God and Country”.
Ghana has emerged as a deportation hub in President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown, accepting West Africans deported from the US, even those with no family ties to Ghana.
At least 14 West Africans have been sent to Ghana since early September, with many having already won protection from US immigration courts.
Ghana has forwarded at least four deportees back to their home countries.
Ghana’s President, John Mahama, confirmed the country’s role in accepting deportees, citing the ECOWAS protocol on free movement, which allows nationals from the region to enter Ghana without a visa.
Meanwhile, rights advocates have expressed concerns over Ghana’s involvement in the US deportation policy.
US-based lawyer, Meredyth Yoon, told AFP that between eight and 10 deportees were kept under military guard in Ghana, only to be suddenly dumped in Togo last weekend “and left to fend for themselves.”
Another plane carrying deportees reportedly landed in Accra this week, though the exact number on board remains unclear.
Ghana has defended its actions as “humanitarian,” stressing that accepting deportees does not mean endorsing Trump’s anti-immigration policy. But critics say the country has effectively been turned into a third-country deportation hub.
The lifting of visa restrictions underscores Ghana’s diplomatic efforts and commitment to strengthening ties with the US.
The development is expected to ease travel and business interactions between the two countries.
