By James Amoh Junior — [email protected]
Accra, April 23, GNA – Government has approved new visa waiver agreements between Ghana and three countries as part of efforts to enhance the global mobility of Ghanaian passport holders.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, announced that Cabinet had given approval for agreements with Antigua and Barbuda, Maldives and Zambia.
He said the agreements would allow holders of all categories of passports; ordinary, service and diplomatic, to travel between Ghana and the three countries without visas for up to 30 days per trip.
“Ghanaians and citizens of the three countries can embark on a maximum of 30-day visits per trip without requiring visas,” he stated.
Mr Ablakwa noted that Parliament was expected to ratify the agreements in the coming weeks to pave the way for their full implementation.
The Minister explained that the latest approvals formed part of Government’s broader policy to expand visa-free travel opportunities for Ghanaians while strengthening the integrity of the country’s passport system.
“We shall keep negotiating more visa waiver agreements as we add greater value to the Ghanaian passport, and at the same time enhance security protocols around acquiring Ghanaian passports,” he said.
The new agreements add to a growing list of bilateral arrangements being pursued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs under an aggressive passport diplomacy agenda aimed at improving ease of travel, trade and people-to-people relations.
In recent months, Mr Ablakwa has indicated that securing visa waivers remained a top priority, with expectations of multiple agreements being concluded within 2026.
He has also highlighted ongoing reforms to modernise Ghana’s passport system, including the introduction of chip-embedded passports with advanced security features, replacing the previous biometric system.
According to the Minister, Government had also deployed artificial intelligence-driven verification systems and tightened application processes to prevent fraud and unauthorised acquisition of Ghanaian passports.
The Ministry has additionally reduced passport application fees by 30 per cent and expanded courier delivery services nationwide to improve accessibility.
He added that passport application centres had been established in all 16 regions ensuring equitable access to services nationwide.
Mr Ablakwa also highlighted efforts to expand visa-free travel for Ghanaians, stating that the country had secured about 50 visa waiver agreements, with 23 negotiated within the past year alone.
He announced plans to roll out an electronic visa (e-visa) system in May to streamline entry processes for visitors, enhance security through integration with international databases, and attract investors.
Additionally, he clarified that Ghana’s proposed free visa policy for Africans would not eliminate vetting procedures but would waive visa fees while maintaining strict security checks.
Mr Ablakwa maintained that access to passports should not be a privilege for a few, but a right for all citizens.
“Passports should not be a luxury. It is our national identity, and every Ghanaian should be able to afford one,” he stated in an earlier engagement.
The visa waiver agreements are expected to boost tourism, investment and diplomatic relations, while positioning Ghana as a key player in promoting regional integration and global mobility.
The Government has reiterated its commitment to deepening such partnerships as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s international standing and deliver tangible benefits to its citizens.
GNA
Edited b George-Ramsey Benamba
April 23, 2026