The Minority in Parliament has accused the John Mahama-led government of failing to engage the United States diplomatically, following a controversial decision to reduce visa validity to single-entry permits with a three-month limit.
Under the new U.S. policy, most non-immigrant visa categories — including those for tourism, business, and study — will now be restricted to single-entry visas valid for only three months. The change is expected to significantly affect students, business professionals, and frequent travelers, who must now apply for a new visa each time they wish to enter the U.S., thereby increasing both costs and wait times.
Speaking to Starr News, Deputy Ranking Member of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo Adjei, criticized Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa for not doing enough to prevent the imposition of the new visa restrictions.
“I am the Vice Chairman of IYDU, and we are scheduled to travel to the United States of America on the 29th of this month. However, members of our delegation are still struggling to secure visa appointments. We’ve been battling this issue for over a year now. Even when one manages to get an appointment, it often results in just a three-month, single-entry visa. Then the entire process has to start all over again on the next visit.”
He revealed that current visa appointment dates are being pushed as far out as 2026 or 2027, leaving applicants scrambling for available slots.
“This situation makes it extremely difficult to engage our U.S. counterparts effectively. We cannot send a high-powered delegation, and this undermines our foreign relations with the United States — a strategic partner.”
Nana Asafo Adjei also referenced growing dissatisfaction within Parliament regarding the government’s handling of diplomatic relations:
“This is one of the key reasons I have expressed concern with some of the recent exchanges between the Senate and the Minister. While others may seem satisfied, I am not. Let’s remember — this is Ghana, the land of Kwame Nkrumah. What would he say if he saw us struggling like this, unable to address pressing diplomatic issues?”
He warned that Ghana has outstanding matters requiring sincere and structured dialogue with the U.S., but the diplomatic channels necessary for such engagement have been compromised.
“When your own Minister portrays the system as riddled with corruption and fraud, what kind of message are we sending to our international partners? What image are we projecting? This doesn’t just hurt our reputation — it severely limits our ability to operate effectively on the global stage.”
Meanwhile, Immigration Consultant Rodney Nkrumah Boateng has advised visa applicants to clearly demonstrate their purpose of travel and intent to return to Ghana after their visit.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Benjamin Sackey
