Ghana confirms U.S. reversal of visa restrictions amid deportation deal
Accra has announced that the United States has lifted visa restrictions on Ghanaian nationals following months of high-level diplomatic negotiations, even as controversy grows over a secretive deportation arrangement involving West Africans.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed on X that U.S. officials confirmed the reversal during meetings on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. “Ghanaians can now be eligible for five-year multiple entry visas and other enhanced consular privileges,” Ablakwa wrote, calling it “good news.”
The U.S. had in June limited visas for citizens of Ghana, Nigeria, Cameroon, and Ethiopia to three months and single entry, citing concerns over deportation compliance. The new policy change follows what Ghanaian officials described as “tightening relations,” including Washington’s imposition of tariffs and travel restrictions in recent months.
At least 14 West Africans have been flown into Ghana since September under a little-known agreement with Washington. Lawyers for the deportees said they had previously won protection from U.S. immigration courts but were nonetheless expelled. Reports suggest Ghana has sent at least four back to their home countries, while several others were transferred to Togo after weeks in detention under allegedly harsh conditions.
U.S.-based attorney Meredyth Yoon told AFP that another aircraft carrying up to 14 people has since arrived in Ghana, though the exact number of deportees remains unclear.
Accra has denied receiving concessions for taking in the migrants, insisting its acceptance is on “humanitarian grounds” and not an endorsement of U.S. immigration policy.
