The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed the reason behind Ghana being flagged as one of the countries to be affected by visa ban from the United States.
It could be recalled that The Washington Post recently reported that Trump administration is considering adding Ghana, 35 other countries to travel ban list.
Addressing the press on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Minister confirmed that indeed Ghana will likely face a US visa ban.
He explained that per engagements with the US authorities, they claim that the decision has become necessary due to the number of visitors overstaying in the US, particularly students.
Ablakwa said per the data from the US authorities, 21% of Ghanaian students who have completed their studies have defaulted the stay period.
“The US officials have communicated to us that the challenge we face really relates to overstays particularly with students. Students who we have been sending abroad to study, so students who go on government scholarship and those who go on their own and apply to study in the US.
“They have formally communicated to us that 21% is the default rate. 21% of those who completed their course refuse to return according to US data,” he revealed.
Read also: Trump administration considers adding Ghana, 35 others to travel ban list
The Minister emphasised that Ghana would have been exempted if its overstay default rate was 15%, but the US authorities have made it clear that 21% exceeds the pardon limit.
“They have told us that they would permit countries doing below 15% but if you are doing above 15% then you will be flagged for further actions,” he added.
Nevertheless, Ablakwa noted that engagements with the US authorities are proceeding positively.
“The engagements are going well because US authorities have confirmed to us that apart from overstays, other matters to do with terrorism, harboring criminals and refusing to be deported, we don’t fall within that category,” he explained.
