Ghana Exempted from U.S. Green Card Review and Temporary Immigration Suspension
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.
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