Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, he explained that the current sanctions are part of broader U.S. enforcement targeting 36 countries.
According to Ablakwa, the U.S. Embassy in Accra cited that 21 percent of Ghanaian students who travelled to the U.S. in the last decade failed to return, triggering Ghana’s inclusion in the list.
The U.S. now grants Ghanaian non-immigrant visa applicants a single-entry visa valid for only three months, a significant change from the previous five-year, multiple-entry policy.
“This is a temporary measure,” Ablakwa said, adding that “we are engaging… to demonstrate progress in addressing their concerns and have Ghana removed from this temporary sanctions list.”
The visa changes mainly affect B-class (business and tourism) and F-class (student) applicants. Under the new rules, students granted F-1 visas will be allowed just a single entry within three months.
This means that any student who travels home during their academic programme would need to reapply for a new visa to return to the U.S., increasing both financial burden and uncertainty.
Diplomats and officials holding A-class visas remain unaffected, retaining durations ranging from 24 to 60 months.
The U.S. State Department linked the move to the visa reciprocity policy, which seeks equal treatment for American citizens abroad. Nigeria is among other countries facing similar restrictions.
The new policy has sparked concern among students, business travellers, and institutions, with fears it could disrupt academic plans and trade relations.