‘We will not become a dumping ground for deportees,’ Ghana’s Mahama assures citizens over US visa deal: Video
Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama has moved to calm public concern over a new understanding with the United States on visa overstayers, insisting the deal protects Ghana’s dignity and sovereignty while tackling abuse of US entry permits by some travellers.
“We will not become a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we accept individuals with criminal backgrounds,” Mahama declared in Accra. “This outcome was negotiated in Ghana’s best interest. One of the key points was our agreement to address the issue of overstayers, people who go on student visas or official trips and decide not to return. When you go, come back, because you affect everybody else.”
The president stressed that no financial concessions were made to Washington and that the understanding is “limited, carefully vetted, and aligned with ECOWAS protocols.” He said it reflects Ghana’s Pan-African commitment to regional cooperation while safeguarding national sovereignty and security.
Mahama also revealed that trade talks with the US are still underway, including discussions to revise a 15% tariff and renew the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which has long granted duty-free access for African exports.
Other African nations, including Rwanda, Eswatini, and South Sudan, negotiated similar deals with the US to curb undocumented migration while seeking fairer trade terms.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
