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Ghana Excluded From Trump’s Immigration Suspension of ‘Third World Countries’

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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Rolf Olson

Ghana has been excluded from the United States government’s latest immigration suspension and Green Card review.

Ghana’s foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says the U.S. decision reflects improving bilateral relations between the two countries at a time when Washington is rolling out its most sweeping immigration restrictions in years.

The confirmation came from Ablakwa on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, who disclosed after a meeting with Acting U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Rolf Olson, that Ghana was not part of the countries flagged in America’s new immigration directive.

The directive, therefore, blocks immigration from what President Donald Trump described as “all Third World countries” while ordering U.S. agencies to re-examine all Green Card applications from 19 identified “countries of concern.”

For many Ghanaians watching Washington’s increasingly hard-line approach, the exemption lands as a relief.

A Diplomatic Win Amid Global Uncertainty

Ablakwa said his talks with Ambassador Olson highlighted several positive milestones in Ghana–U.S. relations: the restoration of five-year visas for Ghanaian travelers, the removal of Trump-era tariffs on cocoa and other agricultural exports, and — most notably — Ghana’s omission from the Green Card review and immigration freeze.

“That exclusion was no coincidence,” one senior foreign affairs official in Accra, speaking on background, noted. “It reflects careful diplomacy and Ghana’s reputation as a stable, reliable partner in West Africa.”

Ghanaian officials also say the U.S. exemption comes at a critical moment, as global migration politics harden and developing countries face broad-brush restrictions that fail to reflect individual national track records.

Trump’s Broad Suspension Raises Global Alarms

Trump’s latest immigration order — announced in the aftermath of a shooting involving an Afghan national in Washington, D.C. — has raised concern among human rights advocates and several foreign governments.

In a post on Truth Social, Trump said he would “permanently pause migration from all Third World countries” and remove any immigrant who is “not a net asset” to the United States.

He further vowed to denaturalize those he claims “undermine domestic tranquillity” and deport anyone deemed a “public charge” or “non-compatible with Western civilization.”

The sweeping language, and the ambiguity of who is included under the term “Third World,” has drawn global criticism.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Director Joseph Edlow has already ordered a “full-scale” review of Green Card applications from citizens of 19 nations — including Afghanistan, Iran, Haiti, Myanmar, Venezuela and Yemen — citing national security. The government also moved to freeze all immigration requests from Afghans pending additional vetting.

Accra and Washington Deepen Security Cooperation

Against this backdrop, Ghana’s continued diplomatic stability appears to be paying off.

Ablakwa revealed that beyond immigration matters, security cooperation with the U.S. has intensified. Citing the longstanding Defence Cooperation Agreement, he said both countries have increased intelligence-sharing, military training exchanges, and coordinated use of U.S. aviation assets — all aligned with Ghana’s regional security priorities.

“Ghana welcomes this collaboration on our shared security goals,” the minister wrote. “Aviation activities will always be coordinated with the appropriate authorities.”

Analysts note this cooperation may have strengthened U.S. confidence in Ghana’s reliability as a partner, especially amid rising insecurity in parts of the Sahel and growing geopolitical competition in West Africa.

Ablakwa also expressed optimism about ongoing negotiations concerning the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), a trade program vital to Ghanaian exporters. With the U.S. periodically reviewing beneficiary status, Ghana is eager to secure favorable terms going into future cycles.

A Relationship Built on Mutual Interest

While Trump’s immigration suspensions are expected to reshape travel, migration and asylum pathways for millions worldwide, Ghana’s exemption underscores the value of consistent diplomatic engagement — and the importance of maintaining strategic alliances even in turbulent geopolitical climates.

“Ghana–US relations will continue to prioritize the best deals for the people we serve,” Ablakwa said. “Our strategic national interest remains our guiding principle.”

For many Ghanaians abroad and at home, staying off Washington’s restricted list is not just a diplomatic victory — it is a lifeline in a shifting global order where migration windows can close overnight.

Ghana News

American Expats in Ghana Get a Helping Hand to Vote in 2026 U.S. Midterm Elections

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With the 2026 U.S. midterm elections fast approaching, American citizens living in Ghana are receiving a timely boost to ensure their voices are heard from thousands of miles away.

The Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana is set to host a specialized voter registration and assistance event this weekend, designed to navigate the complexities of overseas voting.

The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 29, at 2:00 PM (Ghana time) at Theia’s Coffee House in the Airport Residential Area of Accra. Volunteers will be on the ground to provide trained assistance, guiding participants through the process of registering to vote and requesting their absentee ballots. The organizers have set a goal to register at least 50 new overseas voters in a single afternoon.

“This is a crucial opportunity,” said Lenny Baer, a volunteer with the Vote from Abroad Team in Ghana. “Many US citizens often don’t realize they can vote from overseas. We can, and our votes help determine the outcome of elections across the US.”

Why This Outreach Matters

This initiative is part of a broader effort by Democrats Abroad, the official arm of the Democratic Party representing Americans living outside the United States . The organization operates a volunteer-run network with chapters on six continents, working to protect the voting rights of the estimated 9 million Americans living abroad .

While the event is hosted by Democrats Abroad, the organizers emphasize that it is open to all U.S. citizens living in Ghana, irrespective of political party affiliation . This nonpartisan approach to voter assistance is a core tenant of the organization’s mission, reflecting their commitment to helping any American facing voting challenges . Through their platform, VoteFromAbroad.org, they provide a public service that helps citizens register and participate in elections regardless of their political leanings .

Midterm elections historically see lower voter turnout than presidential elections, particularly among overseas voters who often face bureaucratic hurdles or are simply unaware of their eligibility . With all 435 House seats and approximately 36 Senate seats up for grabs in 2026, every single vote—including those from Accra—holds the potential to tip the balance of power in Congress .

How to Participate

For those unable to attend the event in person, organizers have confirmed that a virtual session will be held simultaneously . Interested voters can RSVP through the VoteFromAbroad.org platform to receive the online meeting link and receive the same level of one-on-one assistance in completing their ballot request forms.

Trained voting assistants will also be available to answer questions, help participants complete their Federal Post Card Application (FPCA)—the standard federal form needed to request a ballot—and ensure that their voting rights are protected .

For Americans in Ghana, this Saturday’s event is more than just a registration drive; it is a critical lifeline to the democratic process back home, ensuring that their geographic distance does not translate into political silence.

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Top Headlines from Ghanaian Newspapers: Monday, August 24, 2026

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Monday, August 24, 2026 – Ghana’s front pages are dominated by a fierce political standoff over GoldBod’s massive financial losses, a significant government U-turn granting a lifeline to Adamus Resources, and a highly competitive race for NPP national executive positions ahead of the 2028 elections.

1. The GoldBod $1.7bn Loss Saga: War of Words Escalates
The Minority in Parliament is refusing to back down on the GoldBod losses, while the state gold company’s CEO faces intense scrutiny.

  • “No Distraction: Afenyo-Markin, Minority Sustain Heat …On $1.7bn Gold Loss” (Day Break), with The Daily Statesman stating “PERSONAL ATTACKS WON’T DISTRACT US.”
  • The Source reports “Sammy Gyamfi’s Extortion Claim False – Afenyo-Markin,” while The Inquisitor and The Daily Gist note the Minority Leader is “Threatening Legal Action” over the allegation.
  • The Informer headlines “Minority Hauls GoldBod CEO Before Parliament” over the controversy.
  • NewsCentra digs into the numbers, reporting “GH¢29.1bn Gold Losses In 4 Years – The role of GoldBod and BoG explained,” while The Custodian leads with “Minority Vows To Probe GH¢22bn Gold Trading Loss.”

2. Mahama Intervenes: The Adamus U-Turn
President John Dramani Mahama has stepped into the heated standoff between the Lands Ministry and Adamus Resources, granting the mining giant a 12-month reprieve.

  • Daily Democrat and The Insight lead with “Mahama Rescues Adamus Resources” / “Gives Adamus Reprieve.”
  • The Daily Banner and The Ghanaian Publisher frame this as a “Government Flip-Flop Questioned” or a “U-Turn.”
  • The Informer reports the President “Gives Company Amnesty To Operate Under New Arrangement.”

3. NPP Internal Elections: 50 Battle for Top Posts
The race for the NPP’s national executive positions is officially underway, drawing a massive field of candidates.

  • Daily Guide reports “50 Battle For NPP Top Posts,” while The Source and NewsCentra note “50 Aspirants Chase 11 Positions.”
  • The Chronicle and The Daily Gist report “Afoko Files Chairmanship Papers Morrow” (Tuesday).
  • In the Communications Director race, Daily Analyst and The Source report “Gordon Asare-Bediako withdraws from NPP Communications Race …Endorses Dennis Miracles Aboagye.”
  • Republic Press highlights the upcoming internal vote with “50 Battle For NPP National Executive Posts.”

4. Galamsey, Security, and Public Health

  • Daily Analyst leads with a tragic report: “Kakum Forest Reserve Wildlife Guard Shot Dead.”
  • The Daily Statesman reports “Galamsey destroys over 100 acres of farmland,” while The Informer quotes the Interior Minister vowing to “Get Tough!” on illegal mining.
  • On the health front, Daily Analyst and The Exclusive report Ghana’s plan to “Reverse 70% Medicine Imports Through 24-Hour Economy,” while Daily Democrat notes a “GMTF, Atlantic Lifesciences Partner to Cut Drug Costs.”

5. Economy, Banking, and Tax

  • Graphic Business leads with a major fiscal milestone: “Ghana now spends less than 20% on servicing debt.” This is supported by The Custodian, which reports “Ghana Signs €163m Debt Restructuring Deal With Belgium.”
  • B&FT highlights “Gov’t weighs lifting grain export ban …amid 70,000mt rice glut.” The paper also reports “Robust investor confidence in economy returns …local investments hit US$816m, FDIs US$2.62bn.”
  • Graphic Business also flags the “23 banks, one dollar, many prices” phenomenon, exposing varying FX costs across banks.

6. Judicial and Political Fallout

  • Republic Press reports the “Supreme Court clears way for legal vacation criminal trials …Dismisses Oppong Nkrumah’s injunction bid,” a ruling also confirmed by Daily Guide.
  • The Daily Gist reports a tragic cross-border incident: “Man Drowns While Helping Travellers Cross Ghana-Togo River.”

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Ghana News

Ghanaian Firms Inject €425,000 of Own Funds to Ignite ‘Made in Ghana’ Health Innovation

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In a powerful demonstration of local ownership, Ghanaian research institutions and pharmaceutical manufacturers are contributing an additional €425,000 of their own money to implement innovative health projects, signaling a robust commitment to advancing homegrown medical solutions beyond relying on foreign aid alone.

The co-funding is part of a €2 million grant package awarded under the PharmaVax Ghana program, backed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the European Union (EU).

The initiative is designed to bridge the critical gap between scientific discovery and industrial-scale manufacturing within Ghana.

While the grants provide vital financial fuel, the local co-investment—which ranges from €10,000 to €150,000 across the eight winning projects—represents a crucial “skin in the game” approach.

It shows that local institutions are not merely passive recipients of aid, but active stakeholders willing to risk their own capital to bring products to the market. This practical commitment underscores the sustainability of the projects, ensuring they are not abandoned once international funding cycles end.

The projects span a wide range of medical priorities, including fast-dissolving oral tablets for child-friendly malaria treatment, AI-powered diagnostic tools for Mpox and malaria, standardized herbal treatments for hypertension and liver disease, and stability data for locally produced tetanus-diphtheria vaccines.

Highlighting the importance of this local participation, Dr. Sodzi Sodzi-Tettey, Chief Executive Officer of the National Vaccine Institute (NVI), emphasized that the funds are meant to catalyze local capabilities.

“Ghana has the scientific talent, the research institutions and an increasingly capable pharmaceutical industry to develop health solutions that respond to our own priorities,” he stated. “By bringing these strengths together, we are creating the foundation for medicines and vaccines that are developed in Ghana, manufactured in Ghana, and have the potential to benefit the wider region.”

Ghana’s Minister of Health, Hon. Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, echoed this sentiment, noting that the initiative marks a journey where researchers and manufacturers collaborate to transform scientific discoveries into life-saving products.

The €425,000 in local contributions—combined with the €2 million in grants and technical assistance from the EU and Germany—positions Ghana as a rising hub for pharmaceutical industrialization in West Africa, moving the nation closer to health security and economic self-reliance.

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