The United States has reversed visa restrictions imposed on Ghana, in what international relations expert Professor Kwame Agyenim-Boateng describes as “a win for diplomacy.”
Speaking on the Asaase Breakfast Show on Monday (29 September), Prof. Agyenim-Boateng said the decision reflects “give and take” in international relations. “Whatever we do, we give in to some people, they also give in something to us. I’m very grateful that the ban has been lifted,” he said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that Ghana is the only country to secure a reversal of the restrictions imposed by the Trump administration. He stressed that Ghana will not serve as “a dumping ground” for US deportees, noting that only a limited number of pre-vetted West African nationals without criminal backgrounds would be accepted under ECOWAS protocols.
Agyenim-Boateng said Ghana’s cooperation on migration may have influenced Washington’s decision. “Ghana agreed to work with the US on arrangements concerning deported persons… and in return, the US government also said, okay, Ghana helped us with this, so what can we do to help them?” he explained.
He added that while some see the move as transactional, it strengthens bilateral relations. “America is America… they will always follow their laws. But at the same time, Ghana can now talk about some things a little more than other countries,” he said.
The expert stressed that the development underlines Ghana’s strategic position in West Africa and the importance of diplomacy in securing favourable outcomes.
Source: asaaseradio.com
