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Explainer: The Difference Between Trump’s 75-country and 39-country visa bans

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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

From Palm Fruit to Pot: The Story Behind Ghana’s Iconic Palm Nut Soup

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Few dishes capture the soul of Ghanaian cooking quite like palm nut soup. With its deep orange colour, velvety texture and unmistakable aroma, it is a meal that tells the story of the country’s connection to its land, traditions and family tables.

The soup begins with the fruit of the oil palm, a tree that has shaped West African cuisine for generations.

The ripe palm fruits are boiled and pounded before their rich extract is transformed into a luxurious broth.

The result is a soup with a distinctive nutty flavour, balanced by savoury spices and a richness that lingers long after the last spoonful.

Across Ghana, palm nut soup is often prepared with meats such as goat, beef or chicken, while fresh or smoked fish adds another layer of depth.

Every region and household has its own variation, but the heart of the dish remains the same: a celebration of bold, natural flavours and time-honoured cooking techniques passed from one generation to the next.

Palm nut soup is traditionally served with foods such as fufu, omo tuo (rice balls) or boiled rice, making it a centrepiece of family meals, festive gatherings and special occasions.

Its hearty nature makes it especially comforting on rainy days or during weekend lunches when families gather around a shared bowl.

Beyond its satisfying taste, palm fruit is valued for nutrients including vitamins A and E and natural antioxidants, contributing to its place in a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.

For visitors discovering Ghana through its cuisine, palm nut soup is more than a meal. It is an invitation to experience the country’s warmth, hospitality and culinary heritage—one rich, flavourful bowl at a time.

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Sights and Sounds

When the Compound House Was Home: The Quiet Disappearance of Ghana’s Communal Living

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Long before gated estates and high walls redefined urban living in Ghana, the compound house was more than a place to sleep.

It was a social ecosystem where neighbours became family, children belonged to an entire community, and daily life unfolded in full view of everyone.

In many Ghanaian towns and cities, several families shared a common courtyard, creating spaces where conversations, celebrations and disagreements naturally became collective experiences.

If children climbed a mango tree or wandered too far from home, any passing elder felt responsible enough to intervene. Discipline was communal, and parents rarely questioned a neighbour who corrected their child. Looking out for one another was simply part of everyday life.

That shared way of living extended beyond parenting. Someone always had food to spare, advice to offer or company to keep. Family was defined as much by proximity and trust as by blood ties, giving many people a built-in support system that softened life’s challenges.

Today, Ghana’s housing landscape has shifted. Modern homes prioritise privacy, while gated communities and apartment living have become increasingly common, particularly in growing cities.

Nuclear families now spend more time behind closed doors, and even within the same household, conversations are often replaced by text messages and phone calls.

The transformation reflects changing lifestyles and growing urbanisation, bringing greater independence and personal space. Yet it also raises an important question about what has been left behind.

As communities become more disconnected, many Ghanaians look back on the compound house not simply with nostalgia, but as a reminder that strong neighbourhoods were once built on shared responsibility, open doors and the comforting certainty that someone was always looking out for you.

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Sights and Sounds

Sunsets, Kayaks and Heritage Cuisine: The Coastal Magic of Lou Moon Resort

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On Ghana’s picturesque western coastline, where dense tropical forest meets the calm waters of the Gulf of Guinea, Lou Moon Resort offers a rare kind of getaway—one that combines luxury with an unmistakable sense of place.

Located near Axim in the Western Region, the resort is surrounded by lush greenery that creates an atmosphere of peace from the moment visitors arrive.

Rather than relying solely on lavish amenities, Lou Moon draws its appeal from its setting, inviting guests to slow down and reconnect with nature while enjoying the comforts of an upscale retreat.

The accommodation reflects this philosophy. Richly designed rooms take inspiration from Ghana’s cultural heritage, blending traditional aesthetics with modern comfort.

The result is a stay that feels both elegant and deeply rooted in local identity, offering visitors an experience that goes beyond the typical beach holiday.

Food is equally central to the experience. Guests can savour locally inspired heritage dishes that celebrate Ghana’s diverse culinary traditions, adding another layer of cultural discovery to their stay. Every meal becomes an opportunity to explore regional flavours while overlooking the tranquil coastline.

For travellers seeking adventure alongside relaxation, Lou Moon delivers. Kayaking across the calm waters offers a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape, while the resort’s spectacular sunsets provide the perfect finale to the day.

Whether shared with a partner, family or a group of friends, the golden evening skies transform the shoreline into an unforgettable setting.

As Ghana continues to attract travellers looking for authentic experiences, Lou Moon Resort stands out as a destination where nature, culture and understated luxury come together, proving that the country’s most memorable escapes are often found far from the crowds.

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