US Embassy still pegging visa fees at GH¢16 to US dollar despite cedi gains – Report

Some applicants who have applied for visas at the Embassy are being asked to pay GH¢16 per dollar.

The applicants are worried and are demanding answers as to why the Embassy in Ghana continues to use the old rate, despite the gains made by the cedi against the dollar.

The applicants, who wish to remain anonymous, have called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, to intervene and urge the Embassy to adjust its rates to reflect the cedi’s recent gains.

Additionally, the rate for sending money from the USA to Ghana is pegged at GH¢11.50. The Ghana cedi has been designated as the world’s best-performing currency this month, after appreciating nearly 16 percent against the US dollar since the start of April 2025.

Performance of the Cedi

According to Bloomberg, the gains made by the cedi have contributed to easing inflationary pressures, resulting in Ghana’s lowest inflation rate in eight months.

The African Development Bank (AfDB) has applauded Ghana’s progress, with a recent report stating, “Ghana’s macroeconomic stabilisation efforts, including fiscal consolidation and monetary policy tightening, are yielding positive results, contributing to the cedi’s appreciation and moderating inflation.”

However, it cautioned that drastic structural reforms are needed to diversify Ghana’s economy and make it less susceptible to external shocks.

According to the AfDB, increased regional integration and trade liberalisation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could further boost the positive impact of a stronger cedi on Ghana’s trade balance and economic growth.