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Amid US’ Tough Immigration on Africa, Ghana Exempted from New $15,000 Visa Bond In Another Diplomatic Win

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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.

Tourism

Building a Sustainable Income in Ghana: Creator Shares Honest Advice for Travelers

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For many in the global African diaspora dreaming of relocating to Ghana, one of the biggest unanswered questions is: “How do you actually make a living once you’re here?”

In a refreshingly honest and practical new YouTube video, creator Malaika In GH (@MalaikaInGH) offers a clear, lived-experience roadmap for turning the move into a sustainable, thriving reality.

In her video titled “How To Make a Living in Accra Ghana 🇬🇭 | Honest Advice for Anyone Moving to Ghana”, Malaika breaks down the realities of earning income in Ghana, drawing from her own journey of building a successful e-commerce business after relocating with her family.

Far from a “get-rich-quick” guide, the video discusses preparation, patience, realism, and leveraging Ghana’s unique strengths to create long-term financial stability.

“You’ve actually got to start before you move,” Malaika advises.

She shares how she began her online business 4–5 years ago by testing small quantities of Ghanaian handmade products — waist beads, clay pots, shea butter, Bolga baskets, and textiles — on platforms like Etsy, eBay, and her own website. Once she identified what sold best, she scaled by partnering with reliable local artisans, testing their reliability, timelines, and quality before committing long-term.

“Ghana is really rich with handmade products that are highly sought after in the West,” she explains. “You can produce at affordable prices here and sell for strong margins abroad.”

She highlights e-commerce as a low-cost, flexible way to generate income without the heavy overheads of physical shops in Ghana, where landlords often demand 1–2 years’ rent upfront — a barrier that can “kill a business before it starts.”

Malaika also addresses common pitfalls and smart strategies:

  • Shipping Challenges: Fluctuating cedi rates and rising international shipping costs can make some products unprofitable. She maintains hybrid inventory — some in Ghana for direct shipping, some stored with family/friends in the UK or US for lower-cost fulfillment.
  • Start Small & Test: She urges newcomers to begin modestly, validate ideas, and scale only when something works, rather than jumping into high-risk ventures like restaurants without prior experience.
  • Local Wages vs. Western Expectations: Traditional jobs in Ghana pay far less than Western standards. Diaspora movers should focus on leveraging global platforms, remote income, or export-oriented businesses instead of relying on local employment.
  • Realistic Mindset: “Don’t come with a negative mentality of ‘I hate the West.’ Use your passports, bank accounts, and Western earnings to build something sustainable here.”

Her message resonates strongly with the diaspora community — both those already living in Ghana and those planning their move in 2026. It’s a reminder that relocation is not just about lifestyle or cultural reconnection; it requires thoughtful financial planning and execution to avoid the “Now what?” moment that can send people back home.

“You don’t want to come to Ghana and then be trying to figure out what’s next,” Malaika concludes. “You want to execute. You want to be thriving.”

Watch the full video here: How To Make a Living in Accra Ghana | Honest Advice for Anyone Moving to Ghana

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Historic Visit: Ghana Welcomes 500 Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Celebrating 118th Founders’ Anniversary

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In a major boost to Ghana’s year-round tourism agenda, more than 500 members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated (AKA)—the world’s oldest and largest historically Black sorority—have arrived in Ghana to commemorate the organization’s 118th Founders’ Anniversary.

The week-long delegation, led by International President and CEO Danette Anthony Reed, marks one of the most significant diaspora-led visits in recent years and recognizes Ghana’s growing role as a premier destination for the global African diaspora.

The group touched down in Accra on January 13, 2026, to a warm reception, with the visit organized in collaboration with The Adinkra Group, led by CEO Diallo Sumbry.

The itinerary features a rich blend of cultural immersion, heritage tourism, and community engagement, including city tours of Accra, a poignant visit to Cape Coast Castle, and explorations of Ghana’s arts, history, cuisine, and vibrant communities.

Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Gilbert Aggrey (popularly known as Abeiku Santana), hailed the visit as a testament to Ghana’s strategic tourism policies.

“This visit will strengthen Ghana’s economy, and reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to promoting and facilitating year-round visits by the global African family, not just in December,” he stated.

Aggrey stated that large-scale diaspora engagements like this demonstrate the potential to stabilize and boost tourist arrivals throughout the year, building on the momentum of the 2019 “Year of Return” and the ongoing “Beyond the Return” initiative.

Danette Anthony Reed, AKA’s International President, described the journey as profoundly spiritual and purposeful:

“We are here not only to celebrate our sisterhood but to intentionally engage with the land of our ancestors. This pilgrimage is deeply spiritual for us, and we are committed to ensuring it has a meaningful and positive impact on Ghana’s economy and community.”

Diallo Sumbry, speaking on behalf of the delegation, highlighted the broader economic and cultural benefits:

“This event is a powerful catalyst. It will significantly boost the Ghanaian economy through tourism expenditure, promote our rich culture, and strengthen enduring cultural and business ties between Ghana and the United States. It is a model for sustainable diaspora engagement.”

Founded on January 15, 1908, at Howard University in Washington, D.C., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated is the first historically Black sorority in the United States, with a legacy of service, sisterhood, and advocacy spanning more than a century.

The decision to commemorate the 118th Founders’ Anniversary in Ghana—the first time a group of this size has chosen the West African nation for such a milestone—signals deepening connections between the African diaspora and the continent.

The visit is expected to generate substantial economic activity across hospitality, transportation, food services, handicrafts, and related sectors, while fostering long-term partnerships for tourism and cultural exchange.

As Ghana continues to position itself as a gateway to Africa for the global African family, this historic delegation serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bonds of heritage, unity, and shared destiny.

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Explainer: U.S. Immigration Attorney Breaks Down What the New U.S. Immigrant Visa Processing Pause Means for Ghana, Other Countries

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A newly reported U.S. immigrant visa processing pause is raising concerns across Ghana and dozens of other countries.

Following the news, families awaiting green cards face fresh uncertainty about when — or if — their applications will move forward.

Ghana is among 75 countries affected by a policy shift that pauses the processing of immigrant visas, a move first reported by multiple media outlets and later confirmed the U.S. Department of State on X.

Immigration attorney Akua Poku, founder of AK Poku Law, has offered crucial clarification on what the policy does — and does not — mean.

What Is an Immigrant Visa?

As Akua Poku explains in a video posted to Instagram, an immigrant visa is issued to individuals seeking permanent residency in the United States. Once the holder enters the U.S. on an immigrant visa, they receive a green card, granting them lawful permanent resident status.

This category is different from:

  • Tourist or visitor visas
  • Student visas
  • Work visas

“These non-immigrant visas are not affected by the reported pause,” Poku stressed.

Who Is Affected?

Nationals of about 75 countries may be impacted. Countries first mentioned include:

  • Ghana
  • Nigeria
  • Somalia
  • Egypt
  • Iran
  • Afghanistan
  • Russia
  • Cuba
  • Jamaica
  • Brazil

However, Poku cautions that details may still change, and implementation could vary by U.S. embassy or consulate.

When Does the Pause Begin — and How Long Will It Last?

According to the information currently available:

  • The pause is expected to take effect on January 21, 2026
  • It is described as indefinite, with no clear end date

This uncertainty has left many families — particularly those already documentarily qualified and waiting for interview appointments — in limbo.

Why Is the U.S. Pausing Immigrant Visa Processing?

The reported justification centers on “public charge” concerns — the idea that some immigrants may become a financial burden on U.S. taxpayers.

Poku notes that while the White House has broadly referenced a pause on “visa processing,” most media reports specify that only immigrant visas are affected, not all visa categories. Further clarification from U.S. authorities is still expected.

What Should Affected Applicants Do?

For Ghanaians and others waiting outside the United States for green card interviews, the advice is clear: seek qualified legal guidance.

“If you or a family member are waiting for an immigrant visa interview from one of the reportedly affected countries, this is the time to get effective legal advice,” Poku said, stressing that misinformation could lead to costly mistakes.

The Bigger Picture

The reported pause shows how quickly U.S. immigration policy can shift, with significant consequences for families, employers and diaspora communities worldwide.

Until official guidance is released, applicants are advised to stay informed, avoid assumptions, and rely on verified legal updates.

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