President John Dramani Mahama has assured Ghanaians that recent negotiations with the United States over visa restrictions do not compromise the country’s sovereignty or security.

Speaking at the Presidency during the commissioning of a new cohort of ambassadors and high commissioners, President Mahama explained that Ghana was the only country to secure a complete reversal of visa sanctions imposed by the Trump administration.

He noted that the outcome was in the nation’s best interest, stressing that deportees and persons with criminal records will not be accepted into Ghana.

The President, however, cautioned citizens against overstaying their visas abroad, saying such actions undermined the country’s credibility, affecting future applicants.

He also confirmed that talks were ongoing with US authorities on trade tariffs and the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which allows African exports duty-free access to the American market.

Turning to the newly appointed envoys, President Mahama emphasised that their roles were central to advancing Ghana’s diplomacy and securing opportunities abroad. For the first time, ambassadors and high commissioners will operate under key performance indicators (KPIs) to ensure accountability and measurable results.

He urged the diplomats to present Ghana as a stable democracy, an attractive investment destination, a hub for innovation, and a country determined to create jobs for its youth.

He also tasked them to sharpen Ghana’s economic diplomacy by promoting exports, securing markets, attracting investment, and engaging the diaspora as partners in development.

President Mahama reminded the envoys that their work must reflect Ghana’s values of efficiency, professionalism, and ethical governance, noting that improved conditions of service under new Foreign Service Regulations come with greater responsibility.

“To whom much is given, much is expected,” he concluded.