Ghana could face visa restrictions from the United States after being placed on a watchlist for countries with high student visa overstay rates, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has confirmed.

Speaking at a press briefing in Accra on Thursday, 26 June, Mr Ablakwa said U.S. authorities had formally notified the government of Ghana’s inclusion on the list, citing a 21% student visa overstay rate—significantly above the 15% threshold deemed acceptable.

“The issue has created considerable anxiety, and that report came to all of us as a surprise,” Mr Ablakwa said. “However, I can confirm that the government, led by the Honourable Foreign Minister, has engaged U.S. officials. We’ve had very productive meetings.”

He clarified that while the report is concerning, Ghana is not being associated with more serious violations such as terrorism or violent extremism, which also feature in the U.S.’s criteria for sanctions.

“The U.S. has raised 12 areas of concern. Ghana’s issue relates specifically to student visa overstays,” he explained. “We are not being placed in the category of countries facing sanctions for terrorism, state-sponsored violence, or extremism.”

According to figures provided by U.S. authorities, 21% of Ghanaian students who received visas have failed to return home after completing their studies, far exceeding the allowable overstay rate.

Despite the warning, Mr Ablakwa sought to reassure the public, noting Ghana’s strong history of cooperation with U.S. immigration authorities.

“Our embassies in New York and Washington have remained compliant,” he said. “We have even been formally notified of 188 Ghanaians on former President Trump’s deportation list, and we have cooperated fully in those cases.”

The government is expected to intensify diplomatic efforts in the coming weeks to avoid possible visa restrictions that could impact travel, education, and bilateral relations between the two countries.

Source:TheDotNews