US Visa Restrictions Reversal Restores 5-Year Ghana Visas
The US visa restrictions reversal restores five-year multiple entry visas for Ghanaians. Consequently, Ghanaians can once again apply for these enhanced consular privileges. The decision immediately follows the reversal of visa restrictions imposed earlier this year. Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, hailed the move. Furthermore, he described the policy shift as a major diplomatic victory for Ghana. Mr. Ablakwa officially received the announcement. US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, formally conveyed the news. Notably, they held a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 80th United Nations General Assembly in New York. The US Embassy in Ghana also confirmed the significant policy change. Moreover, they announced the update via their official X (formerly Twitter) page.
The US Embassy confirmed the maximum validity periods for all nonimmigrant visas. They have restored the full lengths for Ghanaian citizens. Therefore, the maximum validity allowed for the B1/B2 visitor visa is again five years. In addition, that visa now includes multiple entry. Similarly, the maximum validity for the F1 student visa is again four years. This category also permits multiple entry. The previous limitations had restricted applicants. They could receive a maximum three-month, single-entry visa only.
Importantly, Minister Ablakwa strongly welcomed the development. He described the reversal as a successful outcome. Specifically, he credited sustained high-level diplomatic engagement. US visa restrictions reversal demonstrates the effectiveness of diplomacy. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties with the United States. Earlier this year, in July, the US first imposed visa restrictions on Ghana. They also limited several other countries. The previous restrictions cited longstanding concerns about visa overstays. The Trump administration enacted the policy. Ultimately, they focused particularly on Ghanaian students.
Nevertheless, the policy shift sparked concern among travelers. It also worried diplomatic stakeholders. Consequently, swift negotiations commenced between both governments immediately. Ghana’s President John Mahama recently confirmed Ghana’s agreement. The nation agreed to accept West African nationals deported from the US. However, he maintained that Ghana took the West African deportees on humanitarian grounds. He explained that ECOWAS protocols permit their entry. The recent visa reversal, secured during the UN General Assembly, is being celebrated. People view it as a sign of “healthier and stronger Ghana–US relations.” Meanwhile, the news is expected to pave the way for deeper cooperation between the two nations. This positive outcome benefits both countries.
Source: Graphic.com.gh
