Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, says Ghana and the United States have agreed on key priority areas for bilateral cooperation in 2026 following a high-level engagement at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, the Minister disclosed that the meeting also reviewed the “significant progress” achieved in Ghana–US relations in 2025.
The engagement was hosted by Mr. Ablakwa and attended by a US delegation led by Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, Rolf Olson.
According to the Minister, Ghana welcomed the successful negotiations that secured the country’s exemption from President Donald Trump’s visa sanctions, including the $15,000 visa bond imposed on some countries. He noted that Ghana will continue to enjoy this exemption.
The meeting also acknowledged the removal of a 15 per cent tariff imposed by the Trump administration on a range of unprocessed and semi-processed agricultural products from Ghana, with both sides expressing satisfaction with the implementation so far.
On trade, the United States announced what the Minister described as “another great news” concerning the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). He revealed that the US House of Representatives voted overwhelmingly—340 to 54—on Monday to extend AGOA by three years, with final endorsement by the Senate expected soon.
AGOA provides duty-free access to the US market for eligible sub-Saharan African countries and products. Mr. Ablakwa said the extension is expected to boost local garment production and create more jobs in Ghana.
Touching on preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the Minister said Ghana received assurances that special measures have been introduced to expedite visa applications, addressing current delays in securing appointments. He added that the US Embassy in Ghana will soon hold a press conference to outline the new World Cup visa initiatives.
The two countries also commended improved security and law enforcement cooperation, which led to the extradition of nine suspects from Ghana to the United States in 2025, as well as ongoing efforts to return two high-interest Ghanaian suspects from the US to Ghana.
Mr. Ablakwa further revealed that the US government has assured Ghana that, without prejudice to judicial processes, it will not obstruct Ghana’s efforts regarding the removal of Ken Ofori-Atta and Sedina Tamakloe Attionu.
He added that discussions confirmed recent payments to US companies, an enhanced business climate, and prospects for stronger Ghana–US trade relations. He also announced that a major new health cooperation initiative will soon be launched.
Looking ahead, the Foreign Affairs Minister said Ghana will, in 2026, negotiate a bespoke trade agreement with the United States aimed at delivering mutual benefits.
“We are impressed with the incredible positive velocity of our Ghana–US bilateral relations,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
