US restores visa privileges for Ghanaians after deportation deal

Ghanaian travellers will once again benefit from expanded visa opportunities to the United States after Washington lifted restrictions that had curtailed consular services in recent years.

The U.S. decision restores five-year multiple-entry visas and related privileges for Ghanaians, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced on Friday, September 26, 2025. He credited months of intensive negotiations for the breakthrough.

“I am really pleased that months of high-level diplomatic negotiations has led to a successful outcome,” Ablakwa said, hailing the move as a “big win for Ghana.”

The announcement was officially delivered by U.S. Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs, Allison Hooker, during bilateral discussions held on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.

According to Ablakwa, the policy reversal is evidence of a stronger relationship between Accra and Washington. “It’s good to see healthier and stronger Ghana-USA relations. For God and Country,” he added.

Yet, the restored visa regime comes alongside a controversial arrangement. Ghana has in recent weeks accepted deportees from the United States as part of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. At least 14 West Africans—some with no family connections to Ghana and others who had previously secured protection from U.S. immigration courts—have been flown to Accra since early September.

Ghana has subsequently transferred at least four of those individuals to their home countries, citing obligations under the ECOWAS free movement protocol. President John Mahama confirmed the arrangement, stressing Ghana’s regional responsibilities.

Still, the policy has drawn criticism from rights groups. U.S.-based lawyer Meredyth Yoon told AFP that “between eight and 10 deportees were kept under military guard in Ghana, only to be suddenly dumped in Togo last weekend and left to fend for themselves.”

Another chartered flight carrying deportees reportedly landed in Accra this week, though officials have not disclosed the number of passengers on board.

While Ghana has defended its cooperation with Washington as a humanitarian gesture, critics argue the country is being turned into a third-country deportation hub.

Despite the controversy, the lifting of visa restrictions marks a significant diplomatic victory for Ghana and is expected to boost travel, trade, and business exchanges with the United States.