President John Mahama has urged Ghanaians who visit the US to return home when their visas expire.
According to him, the recent imposition of visa restrictions by the Donald Trump administration was due to many Ghanaians overstaying in the US.
“Many of you are aware that Ghana became the only country subject to U.S. visa restrictions to secure a complete reversal from the Trump administration. Let me state clearly that this outcome was negotiated in Ghana’s best interest,” he said on October 1.
Addressing Ghana’s envoys before their departure to various countries, the President said, “One of the key points in our negotiation with the U.S. authorities was our agreement to address the issue of overstayers who travel on student visas and others who travel as part of official government delegations.
I mean, these are people who go and instead of coming back, they decide to stay.
President Mahama also noted that, “there was no financial consideration as part of the understanding between Ghana and the United States.
“I also wish to inform you that negotiations are ongoing with regards to the trade tariffs of 15 percent and the renewal of AGOA, which was a zero percent tariff on African nations. And so those negotiations are still ongoing,” he announced.
Touching on the recent deportation of some West African national to Ghana, the President said, “I wish to assure my countrymen and women that our understanding with the U.S. does not undermine our sovereignty, security, or stability. Ghana will not, and I repeat, will not become a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we accept individuals with criminal backgrounds.”
The list of envoys who were presented with their credentials is below:
1. Excellency Mr. Benjamin Anani Quashie
High Commissioner-designate to Pretoria, Republic of South Africa
2. His Excellency Captain (Rtd.) George Kofi Nfojoh. High Commissioner-designate to
Lome, Togolese Republic
3. Her Excellency Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh High Commissioner-designate to
Ottawa, Canada
4.His Excellency Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah. High Commissioner-designate,
Windhoek, Republic of Namibia
5.His Excellency Kojo Choi
Ambassador-designate to South Korea Republic of Korea
6.His Excellency Dr. Kwame Ampofo
Ambassador-designate to Budapest, Hungary
7. Excellency Magnus Kofi Amoatey
Ambassador-designate to Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo
8. His Excellency Mr. Benedict Batabe Assorow
Ambassador-designate, Vatican City
9. Her Excellency Prof. Mrs. Esi Awuah
Ambassador-designate to Berne, Swiss Confederation
10. His Excellency Mr. Kwesi Ahwoi
Ambassador-designate to Belgrade, Republic of Serbia
11. His Excellency Mohammed Abubakari Manaf
Ambassador-designate to Cotonou, Republic of Benin
