The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has noted that Ghana’s newly launched electronic visa system marks a new chapter in the country’s efforts to attract investors, tourists and deepen ties across Africa.
Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s first e-visa portal on Monday in Accra on Africa Day, Mr Ablakwa said the reforms were inspired by President John Dramani Mahama’s declaration that Ghana is “open for business again.”
“This is how our journey began. The President of the Republic declared that Ghana is open for business again. And if Ghana must indeed demonstrate that we are open for business, then it means that our visa processing regime must also be affected by the President’s vision,” he said.
According to him, the government decided to overhaul the visa application process after years of complaints from foreign travellers and investors over delays, cumbersome procedures and long waiting times at Ghana’s diplomatic missions abroad.
“And that is what has culminated in today’s launch of an e-visa portal, backed by an e-visa policy which has been approved by Cabinet,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa announced that under the new policy, all Africans travelling to Ghana would no longer pay visa fees.
“For the first time in our country’s history, no fees for Africans. Fees totally scrapped,” he added.
He said the decision reflected Ghana’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and the ideals championed by Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.
Quoting from Nkrumah’s speech at the founding of the Organisation of African Unity on May 25, 1963, the Minister said Africa’s future depended on unity and cooperation among member states.
“I know he was smiling wherever he is, that today President Mahama is declaring Ghana open, and no African will have to pay visa fees to come to Ghana,” he noted.
The minister linked the reforms to Ghana’s role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, noting that easier travel procedures could help improve trade among African countries.
“With this new visa regime opening Ghana up for business, we hope that it will boost trade and show our readiness to achieve Agenda 2063,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa explained that the new e-visa system would process business and tourist visas and guarantee applicants a decision within 48 hours after submitting all required documents.
“That is how efficient the system is, adding that applicants would know within 48 hours whether their visas had been approved or rejected,” he added.
He said the platform had been integrated with border management systems and international security databases to strengthen screening procedures and prevent fraud.
He said measures had been put in place to protect Ghana’s security and stability despite the country’s decision to adopt a more open visa regime.
The minister disclosed that the system includes biometric integration features, fraud prevention tools, and compliance with international aviation standards.
He further stated that applicants using the service will pay 260 dollars, a fee described as competitive compared to visa charges imposed on Ghanaians by several foreign countries.
“We are still being generous when you look at how much you charge Ghanaians,” he told members of the diplomatic corps present at the ceremony.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
