Coronavirus: U.S. Embassy suspends visa applications
The United States of America has suspended applications for visas in Ghana indefinitely because of the coronavirus pandemic.
“The U.S. Embassy Accra in Ghana is temporarily suspending routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments, effective March 17, 2020,” portions of a statement issued by the Embassy indicated on Tuesday, March 17.
Emergency and routine services for U.S. citizens will continue on a small scale, but other U.S.–affiliated agencies such as the American Center (Library), Education USA Advising Center and American Corner will remain shut.
The Embassy aims the latest move at complementing efforts by the Ghanaian government to clamp down on the deadly coronavirus, also known as COVID-19.
Ghana has recorded six cases, and the Ghana Health Service is tracking others for possible infections. Public gatherings are restricted, and travel restrictions imposed to contain the spread.
7,472 people have died with 186,689 total infections across the globe.
The U.S. has 4,734 cases and 93 deaths.
Below is the full statement:
Out of an abundance of caution and in keeping with the Government of Ghana’s efforts to prevent and contain the spread of coronavirus, the U.S. Embassy Accra in Ghana is temporarily suspending routine immigrant and nonimmigrant visa appointments, effective March 17, 2020.
We will resume routine visa services as soon as possible. If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided on our website to request an emergency appointment.
Emergency services for U.S. Citizens in Ghana will continue.
Routine services for U.S. Citizens in Ghana will continue on a reduced schedule to ensure the safety and welfare of our citizens and employees.
In addition, the American Center (Library) and EducationUSA Advising Center at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, and the American Corner in Agbogba – Accra, are temporarily closing to the public beginning on March 17, 2020.
During this period, the public will not be able to access the library until further notice.
All scheduled programs inside American Spaces and the Education USA Advising Center have been cancelled indefinitely.
In Kumasi, all Education USA Advising activities in Kumasi are cancelled; however, the testing centre remains open.
The health of our visitors is a high priority. These temporary measures are precautionary and not in response to any known or suspected COVID-19 exposure at any of our facilities. The U.S.
Embassy echoes the Government of Ghana’s call to observe prescribed social distancing and good personal hygiene measures to prevent community spread.