Two Ghanaians described as being of “high interest” to the Ghanaian government are expected to be extradited from the United States to Ghana, signaling a new phase in strengthened security and law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed this following a high-level bilateral meeting held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which reviewed progress made in 2025 and outlined priority areas for cooperation in 2026.
According to Minister Ablakwa, the United States has assured Ghana that, without prejudice to ongoing judicial processes, it “will not stand in the way” of Ghana’s efforts regarding the removal of Ken Ofori-Atta and Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.
The talks were hosted by Ablakwa and attended by a US delegation led by Acting US Ambassador Rolf Olson.
Both countries acknowledged improved security collaboration, which led to the extradition of nine suspects from Ghana to the United States in 2025, alongside ongoing processes to return the two Ghanaians from the US to Ghana, the Minister said.
On mobility and migration, Ghana welcomed the outcome of negotiations that have kept the country exempt from US visa sanctions and the US$15,000 visa bond imposed on some other countries. “Ghana remains exempt from these measures,” Ablakwa noted.
Trade and economic cooperation also featured prominently in the discussions.
The meeting acknowledged the removal of a 15 percent tariff previously imposed by the Trump administration on a range of unprocessed and semi-processed agricultural products from Ghana, with both sides expressing satisfaction with its implementation.
Ablakwa further reported progress on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), revealing that the US House of Representatives voted 340 to 54 to extend the programme by three years.
Ghana now awaits final approval from the US Senate. He said the extension is expected to boost garment production and employment in Ghana.
Regarding travel arrangements linked to the FIFA World Cup, the United States assured Ghana that special measures have been introduced to expedite visa applications. The measures are also expected to address delays in securing visa appointments.
The meeting also confirmed recent payments made by Ghana to US companies and noted improvements in the business environment aimed at strengthening bilateral trade. Discussions further touched on plans to launch a new health cooperation programme.
Looking ahead, Ablakwa said Ghana intends to negotiate a bespoke trade agreement with the United States in 2026, describing current bilateral engagement as showing “strong momentum” across multiple sectors.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Fred Duhoe
