Tourism
Explainer: U.S. Immigration Attorney Breaks Down What the New U.S. Immigrant Visa Processing Pause Means for Ghana, Other Countries
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.
Tourism
Building a Sustainable Income in Ghana: Creator Shares Honest Advice for Travelers
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
Tourism
Historic Visit: Ghana Welcomes 500 Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Celebrating 118th Founders’ Anniversary
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.
Tourism
Russia Advances Visa-Free Travel to Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini
Russia is actively negotiating visa-free travel agreements with four southern African nations—Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini.
The move is a strategic push to expand tourism, deepen diplomatic and economic ties, and capitalize on evolving global travel dynamics.
The initiative, announced amid ongoing discussions, could make these wildlife-rich and culturally vibrant destinations more accessible to Russian travelers, offering an alternative to traditional European spots.
Sangadzhi Tarbaev, head of Russia Duma’s tourism committee, highlighted the growing interest among Russians in African travel, noting that Africa (beyond popular North African hubs like Egypt) is emerging as an attractive destination.
“Africa, with the exception of Egypt, is not a mass destination, but it does attract tourists,” Tarbaev stated, as quoted in Russian media reports.
Negotiations aim to add these countries to Russia’s existing network of visa-free partners in Africa.
Currently, Russian citizens enjoy reciprocal visa-free entry to 11 African nations, including Angola, Botswana, Cape Verde, Mauritius, Malawi, Morocco, Namibia, Sao Tome and Principe, Seychelles, Tunisia, and South Africa. Tatyana Dovgalenko, director of the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department for Partnership with Africa, emphasized that expanding visa-free regimes could significantly develop tourism.
“Introducing visa-free travel with the majority of African countries could help develop tourism,” she said during a State Duma roundtable on tourism and cultural exchanges.
Draft agreements reportedly propose stays of up to 90 days in Zambia and around 30 days in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Eswatini, pending finalization.
This move aligns with Russia’s broader efforts to strengthen non-Western partnerships amid restrictions on travel to some European destinations. The southern African region—home to iconic attractions like Victoria Falls (shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe), pristine beaches in Mozambique, and unique wildlife experiences—remains underrepresented among Russian outbound tourists compared to North Africa.
Here are stunning glimpses of the natural wonders that could soon draw more visitors from Russia:

Mozambique’s coastline also promises idyllic escapes:

The initiative comes against a backdrop of tightened U.S. visa policies, including refundable bonds of up to $15,000 for citizens of numerous African countries (including Zambia and Zimbabwe) applying for B1/B2 visas, aimed at reducing overstays.
While the U.S. measures focus on compliance, Russia’s visa-free push is viewed as a way to facilitate easier people-to-people exchanges, business opportunities, and tourism in a region rich in natural and cultural heritage.
For global travelers, particularly from Africa and beyond, these developments signal increasing connectivity with Russia and highlight southern Africa’s untapped potential.
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