Reactions as US Lifts Visa Ban on Ghana After Accepting African Deportees

• The United States has reportedly announced the suspension of the visa restriction placed on Ghana
• This came following Ghana's acceptance of other West African deportees from the US in line with Donald Trump's crackdown on immigrants in the US
• Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, the foreign minister of Ghana, announced the development in a social media post, which has started generating mixed reactions from Ghanaians

The United States has lifted the visa restriction on Ghana following the emergence of the West African nation as a deportation hub in the immigration crackdown of President Donald Trump.

Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, the foreign minister of Ghana, announced the development in a social media post, which has started generating mixed reactions from Ghanaians.

Ghana accepts West African deportees from US

Earlier in September, John Mahama, the Ghanaian president, announced that the West African nation will be accepting deportees from the continent's bloc from the United States.

The administration of President Trump has made the so-called deportation of the "third-country" a hallmark of his anti-immigration crackdown, sending migrants to the countries where they have no families or ties.

Ghana has consistently insisted that nothing was received in exchange for taking in the deportee. On the other hand, President Mahama acknowledged the move to tighten relations with Washington following the imposition of tariffs and visa restrictions in recent months.

Ghanaians react as US lifts visa restrictions

The reactions of some Ghanaians to the development are compiled below:

OboyStark questioned the deal:

"That's good news. Now, the obvious question is at what expense? In times like this and knowing the people we deal with, it is very logical and obvious to ask what they may get in return."

Forex commended the development:

"That’s amazing news! Big win for Ghana indeed. Reversal of the visa restrictions is proof that strong diplomacy works. Five-year multiple-entry visas will open doors for students, business, and cultural exchange. A step forward for Ghana–US ties."

Kwaku Ananse said the win should not be celebrated:

"This was the agreement with the exchange of deportees from other West African countries, right? This is no big win issue for Ghana; it is a puppet victory. If the US puts a visa ban on us, we will do the same to them. Speeches don't fight systems but actions."

Yaw Frimpong asked about the fates of Ghanaian students:

"So, what does this mean for students who were previously issued 3-month single-entry visas? Are there any provisions that would allow these students to travel in and out of the US for activities such as academic conferences without facing restrictions?"

Percy posited:

"Well done. However, the question begs asking what the US stand to gain from these negotiations. History tells us the US never concedes unless it stands to gain a far greater advantage in the long run."

See the full statement here:

African presidents who were defeated while in office

Legit.ng earlier reported that several sitting presidents in Africa have been defeated while trying to renew their tenure in office in recent years. The wave has spread across West Africa to the Southern part of the continent.

The development has attested to the fact that democracy has its feet in Africa and its survival is no longer under any threat. The voice of the people matters.

Source: Legit.ng