Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially responded to the United States following recent changes to the U.S. visa reciprocity schedule, which now significantly restricts visa validity for Ghanaian applicants.Under the new policy, the validity of B1/B2 visas issued to Ghanaian citizens has been reduced from five-year multiple-entry to a three-month single-entry visa. The U.S. government cited concerns over visa overstays as a key reason for the policy shift, which affects several African countries.In a statement dated Thursday, July 11, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed optimism about resolving the matter promptly through continued diplomatic engagement with the U.S. government.“The Government of Ghana remains committed to working expeditiously with its longstanding partner, the U.S. Government,” the statement read. “We hope for an early resolution of the concerns that have led to the revision of the schedule, which have been confirmed to be overstays, including by ensuring that the conduct of applicants aligns with the visa application procedures and requirements of the United States.”The Ministry also refuted misinformation suggesting a lack of reciprocity in Ghana’s visa policies. It clarified that approximately 70.42% of visas issued by Ghana’s missions to U.S. passport holders were long-term, multiple-entry visas—underscoring Ghana’s commitment to promoting travel and fostering strong bilateral ties.Ghana acknowledged the legitimate concerns of its citizens who travel to the United States for professional, educational, tourism, business, medical, and family-related purposes, expressing solidarity with those affected by the updated U.S. visa regime.“Ghana recognises the sovereign right of every country to determine its visa regime, but notes that the present limitations imposed by the United States vary substantially from the prior reciprocal arrangements that Ghana has upheld with the United States,” the statement emphasized.Reaffirming the country’s diplomatic priorities, the Ministry stressed that the Government remains determined to deepen cooperation with the United States across all sectors for mutual benefit.The statement also confirmed that Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), recently led a delegation of senior officials to engage U.S. counterparts on matters of shared interest, including visa policy and immigration issues.