Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has refuted claims the decision by the US government to lift visa restrictions on Ghana is as a result of government’s decision to accept some West African Nationals deported by the Trump administration. The US last week reversed its visa policy on Ghana from the 3 months single entry to 5 years multiple entries. The move got many including the minority to claim Ghana is being rewarded for accepting the deportees adding the country risks becoming a dumping ground for the Trump administration. However in a Facebook post Ablakwa dismissed such assertions.
He clarified that ongoing discussions with Washington are being misrepresented and assured that Ghana will not be accepting criminals or mass deportations from the U.S.
“Ghana will not be a dumping ground for U.S. removals. Ghana is not accepting criminals from the U.S.,” Mr. Ablakwa said in a statement on Facebook.
According to him, the understanding with the U.S. involves a limited number of pre-vetted West African nationals without criminal records, consistent with ECOWAS protocols that already allow visa-free entry for citizens of the sub-region.
He further stressed that the agreement does not compromise national security. “Our arrangement with the U.S. government will not undermine Ghana’s security and stability in any way,” he added.
Ablakwa also noted that talks with U.S. officials extend beyond migration issues. He said Ghana is pushing for a review of the 15% tariffs imposed on Ghana, exploring a special bilateral trade deal, and negotiating the future of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which he described as crucial to Ghana’s garment sector.
