US opens faster visa route for Ghanaians heading to World Cup

Ghana and the United States have agreed on special measures to speed up visa applications for people travelling to the World Cup after Ghana raised concerns over delays in securing visa appointments.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this in a Facebook post on January 14, 2026, after a bilateral meeting between officials of both countries in Accra.

According to Mr Ablakwa, the agreement was reached during talks held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on January 13, 2026, which he hosted as part of a wider review of Ghana–United States relations.

He said Ghana was told special arrangements had been put in place to speed up visa applications linked to World Cup travel.

He added that both sides agreed existing delays in getting visa appointments needed to be dealt with.

Mr Ablakwa said the United States Embassy would soon hold a press conference to explain the new World Cup visa application measures.

The meeting was led on the United States side by the Acting US Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Rolf Olson, and also looked at progress made in relations between the two countries during 2025.

Mr Ablakwa said the visa talks were part of wider discussions on trade, security, law enforcement and economic ties, with both sides agreeing on priority areas for work in 2026.

He said the outcome of the meeting showed steady improvement in Ghana–US relations, especially in areas that affect citizens.