Ghana is set to conclude additional visa waiver agreements in coming months as part of a broader strategy to enhance the international standing of the Ghanaian passport, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has said.
The minister made the disclosure Thursday after bilateral engagements on the sidelines of the 39th African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. He described visa waiver deals as a top priority, hinting at imminent announcements beginning in March.
You know that visa waiver agreements remain my priority as Foreign Minister, Ablakwa stated. I expect more visa waiver agreements this year. Even within the month of March, you will be hearing some good news.
The announcement follows Ghana’s recent visa waiver agreement with Zambia signed February 5 during President John Dramani Mahama’s three day state visit to Lusaka. That deal allows citizens of both countries to travel between the nations without visa requirements for diplomatic, official and ordinary passport holders.
Ablakwa told journalists the Ghanaian passport has undergone major technological enhancements, including integration of advanced chip embedded features designed to improve security and global credibility. It is now probably the most secure in terms of the security features we have, he said. It is fully chip embedded and we are ahead of so many countries.
The minister said artificial intelligence driven systems have been introduced to detect and prevent fraudulent acquisition of passports. He expressed confidence that stringent safeguards prevent foreigners from infiltrating the system to acquire Ghanaian passports fraudulently.
I am also making sure that we improve security that our passports will not get into their hands, Ablakwa said. Because as we sign more of these visa waiver agreements, many people will be envious and will be trying to infiltrate.
The minister referenced the recent 30 percent reduction in passport application fees, stating access to passports must not be restricted by cost. For Ghanaians to have passports, it is a right, he said. Passports should not be a luxury. It is our national pride. It is our national identity.
Ghana’s passport currently ranks 72nd globally according to the Henley Passport Index, allowing visa free or visa on arrival access to 70 destinations. The government aims to improve that ranking through expanded visa waiver agreements and enhanced document security.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry recently secured parliamentary approval for visa waiver agreements with Mozambique and three other countries. Committee Chairman Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije said the agreements are designed to enhance multilateral relations and increase mobility between partner nations.
Ablakwa confirmed there would be no immediate revenue loss from the waivers, stating they are expected to strengthen tourism and trade links while supporting long term socioeconomic growth through expanded bilateral engagement.
The minister further disclosed that Ghana’s draft United Nations (UN) resolution seeking recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity has received endorsement at ministerial level at the African Union.
The resolution will be tabled by President Mahama on March 25 at UN headquarters in New York. Ablakwa indicated Heads of State are expected to formally endorse the draft at the AU Summit.
He noted the resolution has undergone broad consultations involving the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the AU Committee of Experts, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and other international stakeholders.
President Mahama has been designated by the African Union as champion on the transatlantic slave trade matter, with his mandate extended for ten years. The appointment positions Ghana to lead advocacy efforts on the issue over the next decade.
On the multilateral front, Ablakwa described ongoing African Union deliberations as constructive, impactful and substantive. He expressed optimism about Ghana’s growing influence on the continental and global stage.
Ghana has been commended for diplomatic maturity after strategically withdrawing its bid for a seat on the AU Peace and Security Council to allow for a united Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) front. The move reinforces Ghana’s commitment to regional integration and pan African unity, the minister said.
The 39th AU Summit takes place February 14 through 15 under the theme Assuring Sustainable Water Availability and Safe Sanitation Systems to Achieve the Goals of Agenda 2063. The gathering brings together Heads of State and Government, ministers, African Union organs, regional economic communities and partners to advance continental priorities.
Ablakwa revealed President Mahama is expected to travel to the Caribbean following endorsement of the transatlantic slave trade resolution to participate in the Caribbean Community and Common Market Summit in Saint Kitts and Nevis, where he will address CARICOM leaders.
The visa waiver strategy forms part of Ghana’s broader diplomatic push since the National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration took office January 7, 2025. The government has prioritized enhancing Ghana’s international standing through improved travel document security and expanded bilateral agreements.
Industry analysts note increased visa waiver arrangements could boost tourism arrivals and business travel to Ghana while positioning the country as a preferred regional hub. However, implementation requires robust border management systems to prevent abuse while facilitating legitimate travel.
