Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says the country’s ties with the United States is gaining momentum, citing exemptions from visa sanctions, tariff relief on agricultural exports and a pending extension of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
Ablakwa hosted a bilateral review meeting in Accra with Acting US Ambassador Rolf Olson, where both sides assessed progress made in 2025 and agreed on priority areas for cooperation in 2026.
Among the highlights was Ghana’s continued exemption from President Donald Trump’s visa sanctions and $15,000 visa bonds imposed on other countries. The minister also welcomed the removal of a 15% tariff on unprocessed and semi-processed agricultural products, saying the measure is already benefiting exporters.
The US delegation conveyed further positive news, the House of Representatives voted 340–54 to extend AGOA by three years, with Senate endorsement expected shortly. The programme provides duty-free access to the US market for eligible Sub-Saharan African products and is expected to boost Ghana’s garment industry and job creation.
On World Cup preparations, the US assured Ghana that special measures will expedite visa applications, addressing delays that have frustrated travelers. The embassy is set to hold a press conference on the new initiatives.
Security cooperation also featured prominently, with both parties applauding the extradition of nine suspects from Ghana to the US in 2025 and ongoing efforts to return two high-interest individuals from the US to Ghana. He noted that “The United States Government has assured, that, without prejudice to judicial processes, it will not stand in the way of Ghana as regards the removal of Ken Ofori-Atta and Sedina Tamakloe Attionu”.
Ablakwa noted that recent payments to US companies and an improved business climate are laying the groundwork for stronger trade. He said Ghana will negotiate a bespoke trade agreement with Washington in 2026, alongside plans for new health cooperation.
“We are impressed with the incredible positive velocity of our Ghana-US bilateral relations,” Ablakwa said, underscoring the strategic importance of the partnership for Ghana’s economy.
