The government has responded to the United States' decision to significantly reduce visa validity periods for Ghanaian travellers, calling for swift resolution while affirming its commitment to bilateral cooperation.

In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana acknowledged the US government's sovereign right to determine its visa regime but highlighted that the new restrictions "vary substantially" from prior reciprocal arrangements. 

The revised policy, which took effect recently, limits most non-immigrant visas, including B-class (business/tourism) and F-1 (student) visas; to single-entry validity for just three months. Previously, many Ghanaian applicants were eligible for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.

"The Ministry acknowledges the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers to the United States—for professional, business, educational, touristic, [and] medical [purposes]," the statement read.

It emphasised that Ghana had upheld its end of reciprocity, issuing "70.24% of multiple long-term visas to US passport holders," including five-year multiple-entry visas, as per bilateral agreements.

Official statistics revealed that from January 2025, Ghana's missions in Washington DC and New York issued 40,648 visas to US citizens, with 28,626 being multiple-entry.

In contrast, the US now grants Ghanaian applicants shorter validity periods, a move the ministry suggested was linked to overstay concerns.

While the government studies the implications, it pledged to work "expeditiously" with US counterparts to address the issue.

Last week, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa led high-level talks in the US, which yielded "significant outcomes" and a roadmap for further discussions.

The policy shift aligns with the US Visa Reciprocity Framework, which tailors visa terms to match other nations' treatment of American citizens.

Similar adjustments were recently imposed on Nigeria. Analysts note the change may burden Ghanaian travellers with repeated applications and higher costs.

Ghana's statement struck a diplomatic tone, reaffirming President John Dramani Mahama's commitment to strengthening ties with the US. However, it stressed expectations for fairness, stating, "Government remains resolved to work on all areas of cooperation for the mutual benefit of both countries."

No timeline was given for resolving the dispute, but the government indicated that ongoing high-level efforts were underway to revisit the terms. For now, applicants must navigate the stricter regime, with the ministry urging adherence to US visa procedures to mitigate further restrictions.

Read the Ministry's press release below;