Ablakwa Confirms Ghana Exempt from Green Card Suspension

Ghanaians can breathe a sigh of relief as the United States’ latest Green Card review and temporary travel suspension does not include Ghana, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed.

Announcing on his official Facebook wall on Monday, December 1, 2025, Mr. Ablakwa said he received a formal briefing from the Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, Rolf Olson, who assured him that Ghana is not among the countries affected by the new measures announced by President Donald Trump’s administration.

The Minister said their discussions covered recent developments in Ghana–US relations and specifically the clarification that Ghana has not been included in the review targeting certain Green Card holders.

This directive has eased the worries of many Ghanaians planning to travel, work, or live in the US.

President Trump last week directed US authorities to review Green Card holders from selected countries after an Afghan national shot and killed two National Guard members. No official list of affected or exempted countries has been released publicly.

Mr. Ablakwa said the meeting also addressed several bilateral issues, including the restoration of five-year visas for Ghanaian travellers, the withdrawal of 15 per cent tariffs on cocoa, semi-processed cocoa, and other qualifying agricultural products, and ongoing arrangements for Ghanaian supporters preparing for World Cup activities.

He added that both sides discussed enhanced security cooperation under the Defence Cooperation Agreement.

On trade matters, the Minister said Ghana remained optimistic about continuing discussions under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), noting that the government would keep pursuing agreements that deliver the best outcomes for the country.

Mr. Ablakwa stressed that “Ghana’s national interest remains central to all engagements with the United States.”

Public information available in the United States shows no formal list of exempted countries has been issued. Ghana does not appear in the lists of countries affected by the new review, but beyond the Minister’s comments, there has been no further official confirmation.

 

Read Full statement:

 

I held a very constructive meeting with Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rolf Olson today.

We assessed recent positive strides in our bilateral relations including the restoration of 5-year Visas for Ghanaians, the removal of President Trump’s I5% tariffs on cocoa, semi-processed cocoa and other qualifying agricultural products, arrangements for World Cup soccer fans and the exemption of Ghana from last week’s Trump Green Card Review and immigration suspension policy.

We are also pleased to announce enhanced security cooperation efforts with the United States.  In accordance with our longstanding bilateral Defence Cooperation Agreement, Ghana and the United States have increased intelligence sharing and training activities with the coordinated use of U.S. military aviation assets.

Ghana welcomes this collaboration with the United States on our shared security priorities.  Aviation activities will always be coordinated with the appropriate government authorities.

Ghana is also hopeful of a positive outcome with our ongoing AGOA negotiations.

Ghana-US relations will continue to prioritize the best deals for the people we serve.

Ghana’s strategic national interest remains our guiding principle.