Ghana Exempted from U.S Green Card Review – Foreign affairs minister

By: Solomon Nartey Tetteh

Ghana and the United States have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties following a high-level meeting between the  Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rolf Olson.

In an official Facebook page, Mr. Ablakwa described the engagement as “very constructive,” noting that both sides reviewed recent gains in the relationship and discussed areas of expanding cooperation.

According to the minister, the two countries recognized “positive strides” made in recent weeks, including the restoration of five-year visas for Ghanaian travellers and the removal of former US President Donald Trump’s 15% tariffs on cocoa, semi-processed cocoa, and other qualifying agricultural products. Arrangements for Ghanaian fans attending the FIFA World Cup were also discussed, alongside Ghana’s exemption from the latest US Green Card review and immigration suspension policy announced last week.

The minister further revealed that Ghana and the US have stepped up collaboration on security matters under the existing bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement. This includes increased intelligence sharing, expanded training programs, and the coordinated use of US military aviation assets in Ghana.

“Ghana welcomes this collaboration with the United States on our shared security priorities,” he said.

Mr. Ablakwa added that all aviation-related activities will continue to be coordinated with the appropriate Ghanaian authorities.

The minister expressed optimism about ongoing talks on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), indicating that Ghana is “hopeful of a positive outcome” as negotiations progress.

He reiterated that the country’s relationship with the US will always be anchored in protecting and advancing national interests.

“Ghana-US relations will continue to prioritize the best deals for the people we serve. Ghana’s strategic national interest remains our guiding principle,” the statement noted.