BY Daniel Bampoe
President John Dramani Mahama Government has formally responded to the recent decision by the United States to significantly reduce the validity period of B1/B2 visas issued to Ghanaian citizens.
In a detailed press statement issued on July 10, 2025, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over the unilateral changes made by the U.S., which slashed the visa validity period from five years multiple entry to just three months single entry.
The Ministry noted that while it respects the sovereign right of every nation to determine its immigration and visa policies, the decision by the U.S. marks a significant departure from what has long been a mutually reciprocal visa arrangement between the two nations.
The government is currently reviewing the implications of this revision and considering appropriate responses while maintaining diplomatic engagement with its American counterparts.
Implications for Ghanaian Travellers
The U.S. State Department recently revised its reciprocity schedule, affecting multiple African nations, including Ghana.
The revision has direct consequences for thousands of Ghanaians who travel to the U.S. for business, education, tourism, family reunification, and medical reasons.
The Ghanaian government has expressed solidarity with citizens affected by this decision and acknowledged the inconvenience it causes.
A key justification for the policy shift, according to the U.S. authorities, relates to concerns over visa overstays by Ghanaian nationals.
The Government of Ghana has pledged to cooperate with the U.S. to address such concerns, including strengthening the visa application process and ensuring Ghanaian applicants adhere strictly to U.S. immigration rules.
Ghana’s Visa Record with the U.S.
In defending Ghana’s visa policy towards U.S. nationals, the Ministry disclosed that between January 2025 and July 2025, a total of 40,648 visas were issued by Ghana’s embassy in Washington, D.C., and New York Consulate.
Out of this number, 28,626 – approximately 70.42% – were multiple-entry visas.
The statement emphasized that the Ghanaian government continues to offer U.S. passport holders the option of five-year multiple-entry visas in line with longstanding bilateral protocols.
The Ministry dismissed reports suggesting otherwise, stating that the data disproves any narrative of inequity or non-reciprocity in Ghana’s treatment of U.S. travelers.
Ghana also offers multiple visa types to U.S. citizens, including six-month, one-year, two-year, three-year, four-year, and five-year multiple-entry visas.
Most applicants receive long-term visas unless limited by the expiration dates of their U.S. passports.
Diplomatic Engagements Continue
To resolve the matter diplomatically and prevent any deterioration of bilateral ties, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa recently led a high-level Ghanaian delegation to Washington, D.C., for discussions with U.S. officials.
The Ministry described the talks as productive, noting that both sides identified a clear path forward to address mutual concerns and reinforce cooperation.
According to the Ministry, the government remains committed to preserving and enhancing Ghana’s historic relations with the United States.
It reiterated President John Dramani Mahama’s dedication to maintaining open diplomatic channels and strengthening both governmental and people-to-people ties between the two nations.
“The Government will, at its highest levels, sustain best efforts in strengthening relations with the United States in a manner that further enhances people-to-people relations in the mutual interest of both countries,” the Ministry assured.
