Ghana's Economy Faces Severe Threat from US Visa Suspension

The Minority Caucus has warned that the US visa freeze could severely impact Ghana’s economy, placing billions in annual remittances at risk. The Deputy Ranking Member on the Foreign Affairs Committee of Parliament, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, delivered the caucus’s concerns during a press briefing on Tuesday, January 20, 2026, emphasising the threat to families and the nation. “The United States accounts for the single largest share of remittances to Ghana,” he said. “Between $1.5 billion and $2.5 billion each year comes from hardworking Ghanaians abroad. A freeze like this is not symbolic; it directly chokes an economic lifeline.” Nana Asafo-Adjei added, “These are ordinary families who depend on these transfers to pay school fees, medical bills, and start small businesses. For them, this is more than a visa issue. It is a question of survival.” He criticised the Foreign Minister’s approach, saying, “Instead of quietly resolving technical issues with the US embassy, we witnessed public posturing, tit-for-tat gestures, and inflammatory statements. This is amateur diplomacy at the expense of ordinary citizens.” The caucus urged the government to immediately engage the US, stating, “President Mahama must deploy a special envoy and establish a task force to ensure these remittances and the welfare of our citizens are safeguarded. Delay is no longer an option.”