Ablakwa says Ghana not affected by new US Green Card review

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says Ghana is not included in the United States government’s latest Green Card review and temporary immigration suspension.

Writing on X on Tuesday, he said he had been briefed by Acting US Ambassador Rolf Olson, who confirmed that Ghana was not part of the countries affected by the new measures announced by the Trump administration.

According to Mr Ablakwa, their engagement also covered the restoration of five-year visas for Ghanaian travellers, the withdrawal of the 15 per cent tariffs on cocoa, semi-processed cocoa and other qualifying agricultural exports, and arrangements for Ghanaian supporters preparing for World Cup activities.

He noted that both governments discussed ongoing security cooperation under the Defence Cooperation Agreement, including expanded intelligence exchanges and training activities involving US military aviation assets, all coordinated with the appropriate Ghanaian authorities. “Ghana’s national interest guides all engagements with the United States,” he wrote.

Mr Ablakwa added that Ghana remained hopeful about progress under the African Growth and Opportunity Act as trade discussions continue.

Public information in the US indicates that no formal exemption list has been released, but Ghana does not appear among the countries referenced in the new review.

He stressed that the government would continue to pursue agreements that deliver the best outcomes for Ghanaians.

Since the Trump administration took over, Ghana has successfully negotiated with US officials to walk back a range of restrictions including a streamlined visa regime which would have affected thousands of Ghanaian students in the United States.