President Mahama emphasizes importance of compliance with visa terms to maintain Ghana’s international standing

President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaians traveling abroad to strictly adhere to visa conditions and return home after their authorized stay, warning that overstaying could jeopardize the country’s travel privileges with international partners.

Speaking during the commissioning of Ghana’s second batch of ambassadors and High Commissioners on Wednesday October 1, 2025, President Mahama revealed details of recent negotiations with United States authorities that successfully reversed visa restrictions on Ghana.

“Many of you are aware that Ghana became the only country subject to US visa restrictions to secure a complete reversal from the Trump administration,” President Mahama stated during the diplomatic briefing.

The President explained that the breakthrough with US authorities came with specific commitments from Ghana to address the problem of citizens who overstay their visas.

“Let me state clearly that this outcome was negotiated in Ghana’s best interest, and one of the key points in our negotiation with the US authorities was our agreement to address the issue of overstayers who travel on student visas and others who travel as part of official government delegations,” he said.

President Mahama emphasized the direct impact of overstaying on other Ghanaians seeking to travel, explaining the visa restriction mechanism: “I mean, these are people who go and instead of coming back, they decide to stay, and so they have the record. So when they draw the threshold and you’re above it, then they cancel your five year visas and bring you to b5, b3, so we give assurances that we’ll work with them to make sure that our people are not overstaying.”

Making a direct appeal to prospective travelers, the President issued a clear directive: “So those of you applying for visas, please, when you go, come back.”

The President was keen to clarify that the agreement with the United States involved no financial compensation. “Let me also emphasize that there was no financial consideration as part of the understanding between Ghana and the United States,” he stated.

President Mahama also provided updates on broader economic discussions with the US, revealing that trade-related negotiations continue. “I also wish to inform you that negotiations are ongoing with regards to the trade tariffs of 15% and the renewal of AGOA, which was a 0% tariff on African nations. And so those negotiations are still ongoing.”

Addressing concerns about Ghana’s sovereignty in the agreement, President Mahama provided strong assurances to the nation.

“I wish to assure my countrymen and women that our understanding with the US does not undermine our sovereignty, security.