Ghana 🇬🇭 Made the List of Countries the Trump Administration Banned from Traveling to the U.S.A

Today I woke up to the news that the Trump administration has added Ghana to its most recent list of travel ban nations. While it’s disappointing, I'm not surprised at all. Ghana and the United States have long enjoyed solid bilateral relations, dating back to the days of Jerry John Rawlings. I even wrote a short piece on this topic comparing and contrasting the presidents of the two nations when John Mahama was elected and assumed office at the Jubilee House in Ghana. Ghana's economy has been picking up some steam and the dollar weakened against the cedi for the first time in a while. That was not seen as good in the eyes of America that loves to subjugate other nations economically. 

It’s also no secret that both Trump 1.0 and now Trump 2.0 have demonstrated little interest in the African continent in terms of foreign policy priorities. Let’s not forget that during his first term, Trump made a now-infamous comment about being inscribed into the history books as “shithole countries.” He also became the first U.S. president since Bill Clinton not to visit Ghana or the other continents at large. And now, with this second term underway, the same pattern is repeating itself, as he focuses on cracking down on all forms of immigration. 

Yet America, historically, is a nation built by immigrants. And from what I have seen and learned while living here, the country simply cannot function without them. Look at the hospitals, assisted living facilities, long term SNF, Amazon warehouses-we all love our prime services, the farms-don't we all love to eat?, meatpacking plants, landscaping crews, and countless other low-income jobs that many American-born citizens are unwilling to do. Immigrants fill those roles, keeping essential parts of the economy running.

Now, here’s the part where my personal take might come off as heartless: I’m not entirely upset that Ghana is on that list. Why? Because many of the very people who loot and mismanage Ghana’s economy and resources often live within its borders. If this travel ban prevents them from flying out, maybe, just maybe they’ll be forced to invest their stolen wealth back into the country. Maybe they’ll help build a Ghana that the citizens can live in, thrive in, and take pride in.

But, as always, it’s the poor who suffer most when these types of policies are enacted. Ordinary people, those seeking help, opportunity, or simply a better life outside often up paying the highest price. Most people who try to leave the country aren’t fleeing accountability; they’re chasing dignity, education, employment, and safety. Meanwhile, the wealthy and well-connected usually find a way around these bans.

We will see how long this policy lasts. History has shown that no travel ban is ever truly permanent.

In any case, this is just my personal opinion. And I stand by my opinions, until it's critically proven otherwise.

Pal Ronnie