Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa with Acting U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rolf Olson.
Accra, Ghana — Ghana has been officially excluded from the United States government’s newly announced Green Card review and temporary immigration suspension, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. Minister Ablakwa confirmed Ghana’s exemption following an official meeting on Monday Dec 1 with Acting U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rolf Olson, where discussions centered on Washington’s updated immigration measures and broader bilateral issues.
The announcement follows last week’s directive by U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration, which ordered immigration authorities to review Green Card holders from selected countries after an Afghan national fatally attacked two U.S. National Guard members. “I held a very constructive meeting with Acting U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rolf Olson today,” Ablakwa wrote on Facebook after the engagement. “The Ambassador assured me that Ghana is not among the countries affected by the new measures.”
The Minister also used the opportunity to highlight progress in Ghana–U.S. bilateral relations, including the restoration of five-year visas for Ghanaians and the removal of a 15% tariff previously imposed by the Trump administration on cocoa and other semi-processed agricultural exports.
The two officials further discussed logistical coordination for Ghanaian supporters attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as well as expanding cooperation under the Defence Cooperation Agreement. Ablakwa noted that both nations had enhanced intelligence sharing and joint training, emphasizing that all operations are conducted through the appropriate Ghanaian authorities.
On trade, the Minister expressed optimism about strengthening ties under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to pursuing agreements that align with national interests and economic development. “Our discussions were constructive and reaffirmed Ghana’s position as a key U.S. partner in West Africa — in trade, security, and diplomacy,” Ablakwa said.
The U.S. Embassy in Accra is expected to issue an official statement in the coming days to confirm the exemption and clarify implementation timelines for the reviewed immigration measures.
Read Also
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe says Boankra Inland Port Phase One is 83% complete as government pushes concessionaire for earlier delivery.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu and Deputy Communications Minister Mohammed Adams Sukparu involved in Bolgatanga–Tumu road accident; both stable.
Two students arrested over Eastern Region rape and stabbing incident; GES bans three senior high schools from sports activities for two years.
Speaker Alban Bagbin directs reintroduction of the anti-LGBTQ bill and dual citizenship amendment as Parliament prepares for renewed debate.
Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu urges UTAG and senior staff to end strike action, citing GH¢396m paid toward Tier Two pension arrears.
President Mahama swears in APRM Governing Council as Ghana prepares for second-generation peer review at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.
KNUST has confirmed the death of a second-year Agribusiness student after he reportedly fell from a hostel in Ayeduase. University authorities say police investigations are ongoing as counselling support is deployed for affected students.
Ghana’s Parliament has passed the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, providing legal backing for the NDC’s flagship policy aimed at job creation, industrial revival, and economic transformation.
Ghana’s Minority Chief Whip Frank Annoh-Dompreh warns Parliament that rising food prices are pushing the cost of living beyond reach for ordinary households, urging urgent government action.
The Ghana Police Service has issued new guidelines on approved uniforms for private security operators, warning that any attire resembling state security uniforms is illegal and punishable by law.
Majority Leader Mahama Ayariga explains in Parliament why Ghana’s 24-hour economy requires an authority to coordinate production, labour, and supply chains.
Parliament erupts in heated debate as MPs clash over the 24-Hour Economy Authority Bill, with sharp exchanges between Majority and Minority members.
President Mahama holds bilateral talks at Zambia’s State House, highlighting historic ties, economic reforms, mining cooperation, and strong diaspora relations.
President Mahama begins official visit to Zambia with visa waiver agreement allowing Ghanaians and Zambians to travel freely, alongside eight cooperation MoUs.
Transport Minister Joseph Bukari Nikpe has defended government’s decision to rename Kotoka International Airport as Accra International Airport amid public debate.
NIA introduces revised charges for Ghana Card registration and related services starting February 2, 2026, citing rising operational costs.
The court has discharged Frederick Kumi, known as Abu Trica, and two others after the state withdrew charges. They were later re-arrested by the Narcotics Control Commission.
