Tourism
Amid US’ Tough Immigration on Africa, Ghana Exempted from New $15,000 Visa Bond In Another Diplomatic Win
As the United States introduces a sweeping new travel directive requiring citizens from dozens of countries to post $15,000 visa bonds when applying for visas, Ghana has been exempted.
The exemption has sparked relief and optimism across the nation. The directive, issued by the U.S. Department of State on January 6, 2026, targets countries including Algeria, Angola, Bangladesh, Benin, Botswana, and several others.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Okudzeto Ablakwa, took to Facebook to celebrate the exemption while reassuring citizens that the Mahama Administration remains steadfast in safeguarding Ghanaians’ interests abroad.
“As many more countries face U.S. visa sanctions and $15,000 visa bonds, Ghanaians can be assured that the Mahama Administration will continue to pursue mutually beneficial foreign policy objectives that align with our strategic national interest and that ensures our citizens are not disadvantaged. Trust us to keep fighting for you. For God and Country 🇬🇭 🙏🏾,” he wrote.
The announcement underscores the importance of Ghana’s diplomacy and international relations, reflecting years of engagement that have protected the travel and mobility rights of its citizens. Experts note that such exemptions can have profound effects on tourism, education, and business opportunities, particularly for students and professionals seeking international exposure.
The U.S. travel directive has been part of a broader strategy to strengthen visa security and compliance, requiring high-risk countries to post bonds as a financial guarantee against overstays or visa violations.
For the affected nations, the $15,000 requirement represents a major barrier to international mobility, generating concerns about equity and access in global travel.
For Ghana, the exemption is both symbolic and practical: it highlights the country’s strong standing in international diplomacy while ensuring that ordinary Ghanaians can continue to pursue education, business, and tourism opportunities in the United States without facing an unprecedented financial hurdle.
Taste GH
Soft, Satisfying, and Deeply Rooted: Discover the Comfort of Tuo Zaafi
Some dishes do more than satisfy hunger—they tell the story of a people.
In northern Ghana, Tuo Zaafi, affectionately known as TZ, is one such meal, bringing together tradition, nourishment, and a sense of home in every serving.
Prepared from millet or maize flour, Tuo Zaafi has a remarkably smooth, velvety texture that sets it apart from many staple foods across West Africa.
It is carefully stirred over heat until it reaches a soft consistency, making it ideal for soaking up the rich flavours of the soups it accompanies.
The true magic of TZ lies in what surrounds it. It is most commonly paired with a vibrant green soup made from fresh leafy vegetables such as ayoyo or alefu, often enriched with local spices, tomatoes, onions, and sometimes tender cuts of beef, goat, fish, or guinea fowl.
The result is a meal that is earthy, savoury, and deeply comforting. Each spoonful balances the mild taste of the TZ with the fragrant, slightly slippery texture of the greens, creating a combination that generations of Ghanaians have cherished.
Beyond its flavour, Tuo Zaafi reflects the agricultural heritage of northern Ghana, where millet and maize have sustained communities for centuries. The dish frequently appears at family gatherings, celebrations, and everyday meals, symbolising hospitality and togetherness. Visitors to the region quickly discover that sharing a bowl of TZ is often an invitation into local culture as much as it is an invitation to dine.
Its nutritional appeal adds to its enduring popularity. Millet is naturally rich in fibre and essential minerals, while the leafy soup provides vitamins and antioxidants, making the meal both hearty and wholesome.
For travellers eager to understand Ghana through its cuisine, Tuo Zaafi offers an authentic taste of the north—simple in appearance, generous in flavour, and deeply woven into the country’s culinary identity.
Sights and Sounds
From Wli to Tagbo: Discover the Waterfall Trails That Define Ghana’s Volta Region
In Ghana’s Volta Region, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. Here, waterfall hopping isn’t simply a day trip—it’s an invitation to experience some of the country’s most spectacular landscapes, where forest trails, mountain scenery, and cascading water come together unforgettably.
Among the region’s many natural treasures, Wli Waterfalls stands apart. Tumbling nearly 1,600 feet from the cliffs of the Agumatsa Wildlife Sanctuary, it is the tallest waterfall in West Africa and one of Ghana’s most celebrated attractions.
Reaching the lower falls requires a scenic 40-minute walk through lush vegetation, with butterflies fluttering overhead and birds providing a constant soundtrack.
For more adventurous hikers, the steep two-to-three-hour climb to the upper falls offers dramatic views and a quieter encounter with nature.
But Wli is only one chapter in the Volta Region’s waterfall story. The equally captivating Tsatsadu Falls, tucked within the mountain communities near Liati Wote, rewards visitors with peaceful surroundings and refreshing pools after a moderate trek.
Nearby, Tagbo Falls offers another distinctive experience, where a gentle forest walk leads to a striking cascade framed by dense greenery.
Together, these waterfalls reveal why the Volta Region has become one of Ghana’s leading eco-tourism destinations. Each trail introduces visitors to thriving forests, welcoming rural communities, and landscapes that remain remarkably unspoiled.
For international travellers, waterfall hopping provides a chance to discover a side of Ghana often overshadowed by its bustling cities and historic coastline.
For Ghanaians, it is a reminder that some of the country’s greatest treasures lie hidden among the eastern highlands, waiting to be explored one trail—and one waterfall—at a time.
Taste GH
Rich, Creamy and Unforgettable: The Story Behind Ghana’s Beloved Groundnut Soup
Few dishes capture the warmth of Ghanaian hospitality quite like a steaming bowl of groundnut soup. Rich, velvety, and bursting with the natural flavour of roasted peanuts, it is the kind of meal that brings families together and turns an ordinary lunch into an occasion worth remembering.
Prepared from blended groundnuts—known as peanuts in many parts of the world—the soup develops a creamy texture that balances savoury spices with a subtle nutty sweetness. Tomatoes, onions, ginger and garlic create an aromatic base, while local spices deepen its flavour.
Depending on regional traditions and family recipes, the soup may feature chicken, goat, beef, smoked fish or fresh fish, each adding its own character to the pot.
Groundnut soup is perhaps best known as the perfect companion to fufu, whose smooth, elastic texture effortlessly soaks up every spoonful of the rich broth.
@cheflifestyle_ How do make your groundnut soup? Let’s make my mom’s special groundnut soup whiles I tell you a story I believe if we all wanted to stick to only what we know there wouldn’t be the need to follow food bloggers. I’ve seen so many variations of groundnut soup recipes online and they all look very good! Also can you guys spot my commercial blender from @All Needs It blends everything so well! Let me know if anyone does their groundnut soup like this? I’d not how different is yours? We are all here to learn from each other. Also do you add momone to your groundnut soup? . . . . #groundnutsoup #peanutbuttersoup #ghfoods ♬ Ogechi (feat. Davido) [Remix] – BoyPee & Hyce & Brown Joel
Others enjoy it with rice balls, creating a combination that is equally filling and deeply satisfying. Across Ghana, these pairings are cherished comfort foods, appearing at family gatherings, festive celebrations and Sunday lunches.
Its popularity extends beyond taste alone. Groundnuts are naturally rich in plant-based protein, healthy fats, vitamin E and magnesium, making the soup a nourishing meal that delivers both flavour and nutritional value.
Combined with fresh ingredients and lean protein, it offers a wholesome balance that has earned its place in kitchens across generations.
For visitors discovering Ghanaian cuisine for the first time, groundnut soup is more than a traditional dish—it is an introduction to the country’s culinary heritage.
Every fragrant bowl tells a story of family, culture, and the simple joy of sharing a meal, making it one of Ghana’s most treasured recipes and a favourite that continues to win hearts far beyond its borders.
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