Ghana faces US heat over skewed debt commitments to China

A senior United States lawmaker has taken aim at Ghana over its growing financial commitments to China while allegedly sidelining obligations to American companies and taxpayers.

Senator James E. Risch, Ranking Member of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee, issued the criticism following high-level talks in Washington between Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and senior US officials.

Instead of a trip to D.C., Ghana’s foreign minister should focus on honoring his government’s commitments to repay U.S. companies and the American taxpayers. We cannot keep subsidizing Ghana while it continues paying far larger debts to China.

“Instead of a trip to DC, Ghana’s foreign minister should focus on honouring his government’s commitments to repay US companies and the American taxpayers,” Senator Risch said on X, formerly Twitter.

“We cannot keep subsidising Ghana while it continues paying far larger debts to China.”

The rebuke comes as the US raises fresh concerns over China’s deepening economic footprint in Africa and what it sees as an imbalance in Ghana’s debt servicing priorities.

Beijing engagement

Meanwhile, Ghana’s Finance Minister, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has returned from what he described as “constructive and forward-looking” engagements in Beijing with China’s Ministry of Finance, China Exim Bank, and key financial and contractor creditors.

“These discussions represent a monumental step forward in our efforts to bring finality to the debt restructuring process we inherited,” Dr Forson said, calling the trip a critical milestone toward economic recovery.

“We are steadily closing this difficult chapter in our economic history… Ghana will rise stronger.”

Visa restrictions

Back in Washington, the Ghanaian delegation’s discussions also focused on trade, immigration, and looming visa sanctions. The US has flagged a 21% overstay rate among Ghanaian students—a figure well above the 15% benchmark that could trigger restrictions.

“The US officials have communicated to us that the challenge we face really relates to overstays, particularly with students,” Foreign Minister Ablakwa confirmed.

“They have formally communicated to us that 21% is the default rate.”

Ghana-US ties

In a separate development however, the US has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Ghana, with a renewed focus on leveraging private sector partnerships to drive economic growth and create high-value, high-skilled jobs for Ghanaians.

This assurance was given by the Deputy Head of Mission and Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Embassy, Rolf Olson, during a reception held in Accra on Friday (4 July) to mark the 249th Independence Day of the United States.

In his remarks, Mr. Olson emphasised the growing potential for expanded trade and investment between the two countries, noting that stronger collaboration across sectors could unlock shared prosperity.

“Whatever forms they may take, our mutual interests and partnerships in trade, security, health, and more will continue going forward in ways that are both familiar and that are new. Together, we can create increased prosperity for both our nations, building on our generations of connections between families and businesses.”