Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has described his meeting with Acting United States Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rolf Olson, as “very constructive,” highlighting recent gains in bilateral relations and new areas of cooperation.
According to the Minister, discussions covered several positive developments, including the restoration of five-year visas for Ghanaian citizens, the removal of the 15 percent tariffs imposed by President Trump on cocoa, semi-processed cocoa, and other eligible agricultural exports, as well as arrangements to facilitate travel for World Cup fans. Ghana was also exempted from last week’s U.S. Green Card Review and immigration suspension policy.
Mr. Ablakwa further announced strengthened security collaboration between the two countries. Under the existing Defence Cooperation Agreement, Ghana and the United States have expanded intelligence sharing and training programmes, supported by the coordinated use of U.S. military aviation assets. He stressed that all aviation activities will be carried out in consultation with the relevant Ghanaian authorities.
On trade, the Minister expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), noting that Ghana remains hopeful of securing favourable outcomes.
“Ghana welcomes this collaboration with the United States on our shared security priorities,” Mr. Ablakwa said, adding that Ghana-U.S. relations will continue to focus on securing the best deals for citizens. “Our strategic national interest remains our guiding principle.”
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