Two Ghanaians described as being of “high interest” to the Government of Ghana are expected to be extradited from the United States, signalling a new phase of strengthened security and law enforcement cooperation between the two countries.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this following a high-level bilateral meeting between Ghanaian and United States officials held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, the United States Government has assured Ghana that, without prejudice to ongoing judicial processes, it “will not stand in the way” of Ghana’s efforts concerning the removal of former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta and former Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC) Chief Executive Officer, Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.
The meeting, which reviewed progress made in 2025 and outlined priority areas for cooperation in 2026, was hosted by Mr. Ablakwa and attended by a US delegation led by Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Rolf Olson.
Mr. Ablakwa said both countries acknowledged significant improvements in security collaboration, which led to the extradition of nine suspects from Ghana to the United States in 2025. He noted that processes are currently underway to facilitate the return of the two Ghanaians from the US to Ghana.
On mobility and migration issues, the Foreign Affairs Minister said Ghana welcomed the outcome of negotiations that have kept the country exempt from US visa sanctions and a US$15,000 visa bond imposed on some other nations. “Ghana remains exempt from these measures,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
Trade and economic cooperation featured prominently in the discussions. The meeting acknowledged the removal of a 15 per cent tariff imposed during the Trump administration on a range of unprocessed and semi-processed agricultural products from Ghana, with both sides expressing satisfaction with its implementation.
Mr. Ablakwa also announced progress on the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), revealing that the US House of Representatives voted 340 to 54 to extend the programme by three years. Ghana is now awaiting final approval from the US Senate.
He said the extension is expected to significantly boost garment production and employment in Ghana.
On travel arrangements related to the upcoming FIFA World Cup, the United States assured Ghana that special measures have been introduced to fast-track visa applications, a move expected to reduce delays in securing visa appointments.
The meeting further confirmed recent payments made by Ghana to US companies and noted ongoing improvements in Ghana’s business environment aimed at strengthening bilateral trade and investment.
Discussions also touched on plans to launch a new health cooperation programme between the two countries.
Looking ahead, Mr. Ablakwa said Ghana intends to negotiate a bespoke trade agreement with the United States in 2026, describing the current state of bilateral relations as demonstrating “strong momentum” across multiple sectors.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
