President John Mahama has urged Ghanaians travelling to the United States and other destinations not to overstay their visas, warning that such actions risk undermining recent diplomatic gains.
Speaking at the Jubilee House on Wednesday, October 1, during the commissioning of newly appointed Ambassadors and High Commissioners, the President said the lifting of U.S. visa restrictions on Ghana was the result of delicate, high-level negotiations.
“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. One of the key points in our negotiation with U.S. authorities was our agreement to address the issue of overstayers—both students and members of official delegations,” President Mahama explained.
He stressed that visa abuse not only affects individuals but also has wider consequences for the Ghanaian travelling community.
“Those of you applying for visas, please, when you go, come back, because you affect everybody else,” he cautioned.
President Mahama further clarified that there was no financial consideration in the agreement that led to the removal of the restrictions.
His remarks follow the announcement by Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that the United States has reversed the restrictions previously imposed on Ghana. Under the new arrangement, Ghanaians are now eligible for five-year multiple-entry visas and other enhanced consular privileges.
The U.S. had imposed the restrictions in July, limiting Ghanaians to three-month, single-entry visas due to what it described as high rates of visa overstays, especially among students.
Source: myjoyonline.com
