Tourism
Explainer: The Difference Between Trump’s 75-country and 39-country visa bans
The United States is currently enforcing two different visa policies at the same time, and immigration experts say the overlap is causing confusion for visa applicants across Africa and beyond.
According to U.S.-based immigration attorney Akua Poku, the policies—a 39-country visa ban and a 75-country immigrant visa processing pause—are often misunderstood, even though they affect people in very different ways.
The 39-country visa ban is the stricter of the two measures. It applies to both immigrant visas (green cards) and non-immigrant visas such as visitor, student, or work visas. Some of the affected countries face a full ban, meaning no visas are issued at all, while others face partial bans affecting only certain visa categories. If an applicant from a banned country attends a visa interview, the U.S. embassy will deny the application automatically unless the person qualifies for a special exemption or waiver.
These denials are issued under U.S. immigration law and are final, meaning the case is closed. Even if the ban is later lifted, applicants usually have to start the process again and pay new visa fees.
The 75-country immigrant visa processing pause, however, works differently. It affects only immigrant visas processed outside the United States, mainly green card applications handled at U.S. embassies. Under this policy, interviews can still go ahead, and cases are reviewed, but visas are not issued while the pause is in place. Instead of a final denial, the embassy temporarily refuses the visa and keeps the case open under administrative processing. When the U.S. government lifts the pause, the same application is usually continued without the applicant having to reapply or pay new fees, although updated documents may be required.
Immigration lawyers stress that understanding the difference is critical. While the visa ban can permanently shut down an application, the processing pause is a delay rather than an end.
For applicants in Ghana and other affected countries, knowing which policy applies can help avoid costly mistakes and unnecessary disappointment. As experts advise, those unsure about their situation should seek proper legal guidance before making decisions about interviews or travel plans.
Taste GH
Experience the Rare Texture of Apapransa the Celebratory Roasted Corn Delicacy
If you find yourself in a Ghanaian home and a bowl of Apapransa is placed before you, consider it a profound gesture of hospitality.
Unlike the ubiquitous Jollof or the reliable Fufu, Apapransa isn’t “everyday” street food. It is a celebratory labor of love, a dish that carries the weight of history and the richness of the Ga and Akan heritage in every spoonful.
At its heart, Apapransa is a testament to culinary ingenuity. It is made from roasted corn flour—which gives it a deep, nutty aroma—stirred into a savory base of palm nut soup. But it’s the texture that truly captures the imagination.
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It is dense, silky, and heart-warmingly heavy, often topped with a crown of tender crabs, flaky fried fish, and a drizzle of vibrant red palm oil.
What makes it a “must-taste” for any global palate? It’s the complexity of the smoke. Because the corn is roasted before it’s ground, the dish has a sophisticated, smoky undertone that balances the sweetness of the palm fruit.
Read Also: The Calabash Connection: A Journey into the Tangy Soul of Ghana’s Pito
It is earthy and bold, yet incredibly comforting. It is the kind of meal that demands you slow down; you don’t just eat Apapransa, you experience it.
For the curious traveler, tasting it is like catching a glimpse of Ghana’s soul—rich, unpretentious, and unforgettable.
Conclusion
In a world of fast food, Apapransa remains a defiant reminder that some things are worth the wait. It is a masterpiece of texture and tradition that leaves you feeling grounded and deeply satisfied.
Tourism
Ghana and Belarus Launch Visa Waiver Negotiations to Boost Travel and Ties
Accra, Ghana – Ghana has formally commenced negotiations with Belarus on a visa waiver agreement that would significantly ease travel between the two nations, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced following high-level talks in Minsk.
The announcement came after a bilateral meeting between Minister Ablakwa and his Belarusian counterpart, Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, where the two sides agreed to fast-track discussions on mutual visa exemption alongside expanded cooperation in education, defence, cybersecurity, and agricultural mechanisation.
“This visa waiver negotiation is a key step toward strengthening people-to-people contacts and facilitating business, academic and cultural exchanges,” Ablakwa stated. “Both countries are committed to deepening our historic friendship through practical, mutually beneficial partnerships.”
The talks also produced concrete commitments to advance educational exchange programmes, joint defence initiatives, and cybersecurity collaboration. A major focus was placed on agriculture, with Belarus offering expertise in tractor manufacturing, modern farming technologies, and mechanised services to support Ghana’s Feed Ghana initiative under President John Dramani Mahama.
“Ghana and Belarus cherish our strong relations and we are poised to enhance our cooperation particularly in the area of mechanized agriculture and tractor production as we aim to anchor President Mahama’s Feed Ghana initiative,” the minister added.
Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 5, 1992. Since then, Ghana and Belarus have held regular political consultations, including meetings on the margins of the Munich Security Conference and bilateral rounds in Accra and Minsk covering education, medicine, trade and security.
The visa waiver talks form part of Ghana’s broader visa diplomacy strategy, which has already seen negotiations launched with Pakistan and the Republic of Korea to improve global mobility for Ghanaian passport holders and attract investment and tourism.
Belarus, a major producer of agricultural machinery and tractors, is positioning itself as a strategic partner for Ghana’s push toward food security and agricultural transformation.
Officials from both sides described the current engagements as “very productive” and expressed optimism that the visa waiver and other agreements could be finalized within the coming months.
Sights and Sounds
The African Dream in Stone: Stepping Into the Footsteps of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah
In the heart of Accra, where the humid Atlantic breeze meets the city’s relentless energy, lies a patch of hallowed ground that feels remarkably still.
This is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, a site that is far more than a burial ground. It is the exact location where, in 1957, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah stood before a sea of hopeful faces and declared that “Ghana, our beloved country, is free forever.”
Today, the park has undergone a stunning $3.5 million transformation, turning it into a world-class destination that balances solemnity with modern interactive storytelling.
Whether you are a history buff or a curious traveler, this is the definitive starting point for understanding the African independence movement.
Why You Can’t Skip It
The centerpiece of the park is the Mausoleum—a striking Italian marble structure designed to resemble an upside-down sword.
In Ghanaian culture, the “sword down” posture is a powerful symbol of peace. Inside, the air is cool and quiet, housing the remains of Dr. Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia.
Read Also: Walking with Giants: Why Mole National Park is Africa’s Best-Kept Safari Secret
But the real magic happens as you explore the new additions:
- The Audio-Visual Tunnel: Walk through a digital passage where the sights and sounds of the independence era come alive, making you feel the weight and wonder of that historic night in 1957.
- The Freedom Wall: A beautifully curated space featuring the “States of Emotion” of the former President, offering a humanizing look at the man behind the political icon.
- The Vintage Cadillac: For a touch of mid-century glamour, you can view the bulletproof 1957 Cadillac used by Nkrumah—a car that saw the birth of a nation from its leather seats.
A Modern Sanctuary
Beyond the history, the park is a literal breath of fresh air. The synchronized musical fountains—reminiscent of global landmarks but with a distinctly Ghanaian rhythm—provide a backdrop for the lush, landscaped gardens.
It’s a place where families, students, and global dignitaries converge, proving that Nkrumah’s dream of a united Africa is still very much a living, breathing concept.
As you leave, walking past the bronze statue of the “Osagyefo” pointing toward the future, you don’t just take away facts; you take away a sense of pride and a deeper connection to the spirit of the continent.
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