Ghana?s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has warned that the country could face a visa ban from the United States due to a high rate of visa overstays, particularly among Ghanaian students.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, June 26, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that the United States government has formally expressed concern to the Ghanaian authorities, stating that 21 per cent of Ghanaian students who travel to the U.S. overstay their visas. This figure significantly exceeds the U.S. government?s allowable threshold of 15 per cent.

The U.S. authorities have now formally brought to our attention, so it is no longer a leaked report,? the Minister disclosed. ?They informed us 10 days ago through the White House of plans to expand the scope of existing visa bans. The proposed bans will affect countries that do not comply with a list of 12 outlined criteria.?

According to Mr. Ablakwa, the U.S. criteria for visa bans cover a wide range of issues, including countries linked to terrorism, those harbouring violent extremists, and nations failing to cooperate with deportation efforts. However, he clarified that Ghana?s primary challenge, as identified by the U.S., is the issue of visa overstays, especially among students.

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?The students who we have been sending abroad?both those on government scholarships and self-sponsored; are the focus. U.S. data shows that 21 per cent of Ghanaian students who have completed their courses in the U.S. have refused to return,? he said.

He added that countries with an overstay rate below 15 per cent are not subject to visa restrictions, but exceeding this threshold triggers further scrutiny and possible punitive measures.

Mr. Ablakwa assured that government officials are engaging their U.S. counterparts to address the issue and prevent any disruption in travel relations. ?We continue to hold very productive meetings with the U.S. authorities, and I want to emphasise that Ghana is not being flagged for any of the more serious offences such as terrorism or harbouring criminals,? he said.

He recalled that 19 countries were previously affected by similar visa restrictions under the Trump administration, noting that the current discussions stem from efforts to expand that policy.

The Minister called for greater awareness among Ghanaians, particularly students, to respect immigration regulations when studying abroad, adding that the government is committed to ensuring compliance and protecting the country?s international standing. (Graphic Online)

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