Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that his ministry will pursue additional visa waiver agreements with more countries following the introduction of the new high security electronic passport system. The move is part of efforts to enhance the global mobility of Ghanaian passport holders and increase the number of countries they can travel to without needing a visa.
Addressing the media after diplomatic engagements on the sidelines of the African Union Summit, Mr Ablakwa said securing visa waivers remains a top priority for his ministry this year. He indicated that further announcements on new agreements are expected in the months ahead, with positive developments likely between March and May.
The planned visa waivers build on existing agreements that already allow Ghanaian passport holders to travel to many countries without visas. Government officials say upgrading the passport with advanced security features helps strengthen trust and credibility in the travel document and supports Ghana’s negotiations with partner countries on visa liberalisation.
Mr Ablakwa also highlighted the ongoing reforms to strengthen passport security and reduce fraudulent acquisition of the travel document, measures that officials say are critical to attracting more visa waiver agreements. These reforms include periodic reviews of passport technology and systems to prevent abuse.
The push for new visa waivers follows earlier deals with nations across Africa, Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean that allow Ghanaian citizens to visit without traditional visa requirements. This expansion of visa free travel is seen as part of broader efforts to boost tourism, facilitate trade and deepen diplomatic ties.
