Accra, Ghana – The Government of Ghana has strongly criticised the United States over its recent decision to reduce the validity of B1/B2 visas for Ghanaian nationals from five-year multiple-entry to just three-month single-entry, calling the move a significant departure from longstanding reciprocal visa agreements.

In a press release dated July 10, 2025, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration described the policy shift as a “substantial variance” that threatens the spirit of diplomatic cooperation between both countries.

“The Ministry acknowledges the legitimate concerns of Ghanaian travellers to the United States, for professional, business, educational, touristic, medical, and family purposes, and expresses its firm solidarity with all those inconvenienced,” the statement said.

Visa Validity Cut Sparks Diplomatic Concern

The U.S. government, citing high rates of visa overstays as the rationale behind the change, implemented the new rules earlier this month. In response, Ghana said it recognised Washington’s sovereign right to determine immigration policy, but stressed that the restrictions differ significantly from past bilateral understandings.

“We hope for an early resolution of the concerns that have led to the revision of the schedule… including by ensuring that the conduct of applicants align with the visa application procedures and requirements of the United States,” the ministry noted.

Ghana Emphasises Commitment to Reciprocity

Highlighting its own visa issuance data, the Ghanaian government revealed that from January to July 2025, its diplomatic missions in Washington, D.C., and New York issued over 40,000 visas, with 70% of them being multiple-entry visas granted to U.S. citizens.

The Ministry said this demonstrates Ghana’s longstanding commitment to reciprocal and fair visa treatment for American nationals, even amid growing global scrutiny of migration policies.

Diplomatic Engagement Underway

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Ablakwa, recently led a high-level delegation to Washington to address the issue directly with U.S. officials. According to the Foreign Ministry, the discussions were “fruitful” and are expected to pave the way for deeper diplomatic engagement in the coming weeks.

“Government will, at its highest levels, sustain best efforts in strengthening relations with the United States in a manner that further enhances people-to-people relations,” the statement concluded.

The policy change comes amid broader global trends in tightened immigration controls, including recent disputes between the United States, Nigeria, and the United Arab Emirates over visa policy and diplomatic reciprocity.