The United States Embassy in Ghana is intensifying its media outreach, strengthening ties with the country’s private press, and providing clarity on evolving U.S. policies in diplomacy, trade, and visa regulations.
During a working visit to the National Secretariat of the Private Newspapers and Online News Publishers Association of Ghana (PRINPAG) on Thursday, August 7, 2025, U.S. Embassy Press Attaché, Matthew Asada, met with the association’s national executives to explore areas of collaboration and address concerns over recent policy shifts.
Mr. Asada reaffirmed the Embassy’s commitment to open, transparent communication with Ghana’s diverse media — from state-owned outlets to privately-run platforms. He noted a marked shift in U.S. foreign policy focus, moving away from aid-heavy engagements toward trade and commercial diplomacy. This pivot, he said, will also influence future media training and support initiatives.
A key topic was U.S. visa and migration policy. Mr. Asada clarified misconceptions about proposed changes, including the $250 visa integrity free — which, he stressed, has not yet been implemented — as well as adjustments to visa validity periods and the reciprocity schedule for tourist visas. He assured PRINPAG of the Embassy’s readiness to collaborate in ensuring the public receives accurate, timely updates on such matters.
PRINPAG President, Lawyer Andrew Edwin Arthur, welcomed the Embassy’s outreach and suggested that U.S. officials hold collective sessions with editors to better explain complex policies. He also briefed the Press Attaché on persistent challenges confronting the private media sector, including dwindling advertising revenues, reduced subscriptions from government ministries and agencies, and managerial capacity gaps among publishers. While stressing the continuing relevance of print journalism, he revealed that PRINPAG is in discussions with the government to convene a national media forum to address these concerns.
Both parties agreed to enhance communication channels. The Embassy pledged more frequent engagements with PRINPAG, while the association’s leadership committed to mobilizing members to ensure wider reach and efficient collaboration.
Also present at the meeting were PRINPAG Vice President Michael Antwi-Agyei, Executive Secretary Jeorge Wilson Kingson, Organizing Secretary Emmanuel Opare Djan, Financial Secretary Naana Aklerh I, and Madam Joyce Asiedu from the Office of the Press Attaché.
This renewed partnership marks a more collaborative phase in Ghana–U.S. media relations, with both sides committed to open dialogue, accurate policy dissemination, and mutual support in navigating the evolving diplomatic and media landscapes.