Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says the government has secured several important diplomatic and economic concessions from the United States following a constructive meeting with the Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Rolf Olson.
In a statement posted on Facebook, the Minister said the discussions reviewed recent progress in bilateral relations, including the restoration of five-year visas for Ghanaian travelers and the removal of the 15 percent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on cocoa, semi-processed cocoa, and other qualifying agricultural products.
Samuel Okudjato Ablakwa added that both governments have finalized arrangements to facilitate travel and cooperation for fans attending the upcoming World Cup.
He also confirmed that Ghana has been exempted from the Trump administration’s recent Green Card review and immigration suspension measures announced last week.
The Minister announced expanded security collaboration with the United States under the existing Defence Cooperation Agreement. He said the two countries have strengthened intelligence sharing and military training engagements, supported by coordinated use of U.S. military aviation assets.
“Ghana welcomes this collaboration with the United States on our shared security priorities,” Ablakwa stated, noting that all aviation operations will be carried out in coordination with the appropriate Ghanaian authorities.
The minister also expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), indicating that Ghana is hopeful of securing a favourable outcome to support local industries and exporters.
Reaffirming the government’s position, the Minister said Ghana–US relations will continue to prioritize deals that deliver maximum benefits to citizens. He stressed that the country’s strategic national interest remains the guiding principle in all engagements with the United States.
Source: www,kumasimail.com
