Ghana News
Ghana Among 75 Countries Facing New U.S. Immigrant Visa Processing Ban
Ghana is among 75 countries whose nationals will face an indefinite suspension of immigrant visa processing by the United States.
This was announced by the U.S. State Department on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, in a major escalation of President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown.
The pause, set to begin on January 21, 2026, aims to prevent the entry of individuals likely to rely on public assistance, marking a significant barrier for Ghanaians seeking permanent residency, family reunification, or other immigrant pathways.
The State Department stated:
“The State Department will pause immigrant visa processing from 75 countries whose migrants take welfare from the American people at unacceptable rates. The freeze will remain active until the U.S. can ensure that new immigrants will not extract wealth from the American people.”
The policy targets countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Somalia, Haiti, Iran, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Gambia, Guinea, Liberia, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Tanzania, Togo, Tunisia, Uganda, and many others across Africa, the Middle East, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
This indefinite suspension applies specifically to immigrant visas (such as those for family-based immigration, employment, or diversity lottery), while tourist (B-1/B-2), business, and other non-immigrant visas remain unaffected. Consular officers have been instructed to deny immigrant visa applications based on factors including health, age, economic situation, and language abilities, to avoid individuals who might become “public charges.”
The move builds on earlier Trump administration actions, including a June 2025 travel ban expansion and recent pauses on asylum decisions, green card reexaminations, and visa issuances for certain nationalities. It follows heightened enforcement rhetoric after incidents like the November 2025 shooting involving an Afghan national, which prompted additional restrictions.

For Ghanaians, the policy could disrupt long-term plans involving family reunification, skilled migration, or investment-based immigration.
Ghana’s large diaspora in the U.S. (estimated at over 200,000) relies heavily on immigrant visa pathways for bringing relatives, and the suspension may delay or block thousands of pending applications.
No specific exemptions for adoption visas (IR-3, IR-4, IH-3, IH-4) or immediate family categories are mentioned in the current announcement, raising concerns for families pursuing international adoptions or permanent relocation.
The indefinite nature of the pause—lasting until procedures ensure no public benefits burden—has drawn criticism from immigration advocates who argue it disproportionately affects developing nations and could separate families.
The U.S. Embassy in Accra has not yet issued a localized statement, but applicants from affected countries, including Ghana, may still submit applications and attend interviews, though issuance or admission is generally ineligible under the new rules.
This latest development reflects the Trump administration’s aggressive focus on immigration control, with over 100,000 visas already revoked since January 2025.
Ghana News
Ghana Star Thomas Partey Pleads Not Guilty to Two Additional Rape Charges in UK Court
London, United Kingdom – Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey has pleaded not guilty to two additional rape charges, bringing the total number of rape allegations against him to seven.
The 32-year-old Villarreal midfielder appeared at Southwark Crown Court on Monday, where he denied the new charges relating to a fourth woman in December 2020.
Partey had previously pleaded not guilty to five counts of rape involving two women and one count of sexual assault against a third woman, with the alleged offences occurring between 2021 and 2022 while he was playing for Arsenal in the English Premier League.
Partey was signed by Arsenal from Atletico Madrid for €50 million ($58.49 million) in 2020 and became a key member of the first team before leaving the club last summer when his contract expired.
He subsequently joined Spanish La Liga side Villarreal.
The midfielder was released on bail following Monday’s hearing. His trial, originally scheduled to begin in November, could now face further delays due to the additional charges.
The case continues to draw significant attention given Partey’s stature as a prominent player for both Arsenal and the Ghana national team, the Black Stars.
Ghana News
Armed Robbers Killed in Tema, New Black Stars Coach Speaks, CSOs Propose Fuel Relief and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
We have curated the most relevant stories from Ghana to keep you informed. Today’s trending stories cover security incidents, economic proposals, human rights debates, fiscal updates, and more.
Tema Police Gun Down Two Armed Robbers After Brazen Daytime Mobile Money Heist
Tema police have shot and killed two armed robbers who carried out a daring daytime robbery at a Mobile Money outlet in Community 5, Tema. The suspects, riding a motorbike, attacked the vendor around 8:30 a.m., shooting her in the leg and fleeing with GH¢11,390. A police patrol team intercepted them near the Tema General Hospital area, leading to a chase and shootout. The robbers were rushed to hospital but pronounced dead on arrival. Items recovered included the stolen cash, a loaded pistol, phones, SIM cards, and the victim’s Ghana Card. The female vendor is in stable condition.
Read the full story here
CSOs Propose GH¢1.65 Fuel Price Relief and Long-Term Petroleum Sector Reforms
A coalition of civil society organisations, including IMANI Africa and the Chamber of Petroleum Consumers, has proposed an immediate GH¢1.65 reduction in the petroleum price build-up to ease the burden on Ghanaians amid rising fuel costs. The groups suggested the relief should last for two months instead of the government’s proposed four weeks, followed by a review based on global market conditions. They also called for broader structural reforms, including removal of burdensome taxes and levies, establishment of a Strategic Reserve Fund, and investment in the Tema Oil Refinery to enhance local refining capacity.
Read the full story here
Group Challenges Mahama, Says Backing LGBTQ Bill Undermines Human Rights
The group JustRight Ghana has strongly challenged President John Dramani Mahama over his stated commitment to assent to the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill if passed by Parliament. The organisation described the bill as “modern-day slavery” and argued that supporting it would legitimise the arrest and torture of LGBTQ+ persons, thereby undermining Ghana’s moral authority on human rights issues globally. They cited constitutional provisions on human dignity and privacy, as well as Ghana’s international treaty obligations, and vowed to pursue legal action if the bill is passed.
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Ato Forson Says Ghana on Track for Debt Sustainability as Focus Shifts to Growth
Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has stated that Ghana is making steady progress toward debt sustainability, describing it as a major milestone in the country’s economic recovery. Following discussions with the World Bank’s Regional Vice President for Western and Central Africa, he noted that the focus is now shifting from stabilisation to growth-oriented investments in commercial agriculture, energy, education, and infrastructure. The minister stressed continued fiscal discipline while safeguarding vulnerable groups.
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Does He Think He’s Still in the Entertainment Industry? – UCC Lecturer Fires A Plus
A senior lecturer at the University of Cape Coast, Dr Jonathan Asante Otchere, has sharply criticised Gomoa Central MP Kwame Asare Obeng (A Plus) for what he described as “irresponsible” and “wild allegations” regarding government officials acquiring state lands. The lecturer questioned whether A Plus still sees himself as a lawmaker or remains in the entertainment business, urging him to use formal parliamentary channels or whistleblower mechanisms instead of threatening to release documents out of anger.
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Newly Appointed Black Stars Coach Speaks
Newly appointed Black Stars head coach Carlos Queiroz has vowed to meet the expectations of Ghanaians, promising commitment, discipline, and unity as he takes charge of the national team ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Portuguese tactician, who has managed at World Cups with Portugal and Iran, described the role as a great honour and expressed confidence in building a competitive squad capable of making Ghana proud.
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Ten Killed in Deadly Crash on Accra-Kumasi Highway
Ten people have been killed in a tragic road accident on the Accra-Kumasi highway. The crash occurred when a vehicle lost control and collided with another, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. Emergency services responded promptly, but the incident has once again highlighted concerns over road safety on one of Ghana’s busiest highways.
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Strong Exports Lift Ghana’s Q4 2025 Trade Surplus to GH¢47.2bn
Ghana recorded a strong trade surplus of GH¢47.2 billion in the fourth quarter of 2025, driven by robust export performance, particularly in key commodities. The positive trade balance reflects improving external sector conditions and stronger global demand for Ghanaian goods. Economists say sustained export growth will be critical for maintaining macroeconomic stability.
Read the full story here
Ghana News
Newspaper Headlines Today: Tuesday, April 14, 2026
Tuesday, April 14, 2026. Stay informed with today’s front pages of Ghanaian newspapers, all in one place.












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