The United States government has announced the removal of Ghana from its Visa Waiver Programme (VWP). This decision, which takes immediate effect, means that Ghanaian citizens will no longer be eligible for visa-free travel to the United States.

According to a statement released by the US Department of Homeland Security, Ghana’s removal from the VWP is due to concerns over the country’s compliance with the programme’s requirements. Specifically, the US government cited Ghana’s inability to adequately share security and terrorism-related information, as well as its failure to meet the programme’s standards for passport security.

The VWP allows citizens of participating countries to travel to the US for business or tourism without obtaining a visa, provided they meet certain requirements. Ghana was one of the few African countries participating in the programme.

The removal of Ghana from the VWP is expected to have significant implications for Ghanaian citizens who frequently travel to the US for business, education, or tourism. They will now be required to apply for a visa at a US embassy or consulate before embarking on their journey.

The Ghanaian government has yet to comment on the decision, but it is expected to engage with US authorities to address the concerns that led to the country’s removal from the VWP.