The Ghanaian government has voiced strong opposition to the United States’ recent decision to limit non-immigrant visas for its citizens, citing an imbalance in reciprocal visa treatment.
Gatekeepers News reports that in a new policy announced on Thursday, the U.S. Department of State said Ghanaian applicants seeking business, tourism, or student visas would now only be eligible for single-entry visas valid for three months.
The policy excludes diplomatic visa categories, while family-based K3 and K4 visa applicants will continue to receive multiple-entry visas valid for up to 24 months.
However, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement dated July 10, criticized the new U.S. policy as a significant departure from the existing visa reciprocity between both nations.
Describing the move as a “substantial variance” from previously agreed-upon visa arrangements, the ministry said U.S. nationals enjoy far more flexible entry into Ghana.
The statement reads, “The Ministry acknowledges the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers to the United States for professional, business, educational, touristic, medical, and family purposes and expresses its firm solidarity with all those inconvenienced.”
The ministry revealed that Ghana’s embassies in Washington, D.C., and New York issued over 40,000 visas to American citizens between January and July 2025, with 70 percent of them being multiple-entry visas.
In efforts to resolve the dispute, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, recently led a delegation to Washington, where he held discussions with U.S. officials.
The ministry described those talks as “fruitful” and indicated that further diplomatic engagements are planned.
While the U.S. government cited visa overstays as a key reason for the policy change, Ghana expressed hope that the issue would be addressed promptly through cooperation and adherence to visa rules.
The Ghanaian government reiterated its commitment to deepening bilateral relations with the U.S. and fostering stronger ties between citizens of both nations.
