Ghana Faces Possible U.S. Visa Ban as 21% of Students Overstay – Ablakwa

By Joylinda Laryea / June 26, 2025

Ghana may soon face a visa ban from the United States due to a high rate of visa overstays by Ghanaian nationals, particularly students, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Speaking at a press briefing on Thursday, June 26, 2025, the Minister confirmed reports from the Washington Post that the Trump administration is considering adding Ghana to a list of 36 countries facing potential travel restrictions.

Hon. Ablakwa explained that the U.S. authorities have flagged Ghana for having an overstaying rate of 21% among its student population significantly above the 15% threshold considered acceptable by U.S. immigration standards.

“They have formally communicated to us that 21% is the default rate. 21% of those who completed their course refuse to return according to US data,” the Minister disclosed.

He said the U.S. has indicated it only permits countries with overstay rates below 15% to remain in good standing. “They have told us that they would permit countries doing below 15%, but if you are doing above 15%, then you will be flagged for further actions,” he said.

Despite the alarming statistics, the Minister reassured the public that diplomatic engagements with U.S. officials have been constructive. He emphasized that Ghana does not fall under other categories of concern, such as terrorism, harboring criminals, or refusal to accept deportees.

“The engagements are going well because U.S. authorities have confirmed to us that apart from overstays, other matters to do with terrorism, harboring criminals and refusing to be deported , we don’t fall within that category,” Ablakwa noted.

He also revealed that the U.S. visa restrictions are based on a set of 12 compliance criteria, ranging from security and immigration enforcement to cooperation on deportations and global terrorism concerns.

Ghanaian authorities, the Minister assured, are committed to continued dialogue with their U.S. counterparts to resolve the issue and avoid any potential visa sanctions.