ACCRA – President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s first-ever electronic visa platform, introducing a new visa regime that exempts all African passport holders from paying visa fees when travelling to Ghana for business and tourism.
The launch, held on Africa Day, is being hailed as a major step towards promoting African integration, free movement across the continent and Ghana’s vision of becoming a leading hub for trade, tourism and investment.
Speaking at the launch in Accra, President Mahama described the initiative as a significant milestone in Ghana’s efforts to build a modern, efficient and globally competitive economy.
According to him, the e-Visa platform will allow travellers to apply online, upload supporting documents electronically, make secure digital payments and receive travel authorization via email or mobile phones.
“This initiative reflects our determination to position Ghana as a forward-looking nation that leverages technology to improve governance, facilitate legitimate travel, deepen continental integration and strengthen national security,” President Mahama stated.
The President stressed that while Ghana remains open and welcoming, security checks would remain stringent. He explained that the platform is integrated with Ghana’s Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems as well as international crime and watch-list databases.
Minister for the Interior, Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak, described the e-Visa platform as “a new machine for Ghana,” saying the system would remove unnecessary barriers, delays and uncertainty associated with traditional visa processes.
“We are telling the world Ghana is open for business, ready for tourism and global participation,” he said.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa noted that many international travellers and investors had complained about cumbersome visa procedures, prompting government to overhaul the system as part of President Mahama’s “Ghana Open for Business” agenda.
“For the first time in our country’s history, no fees for Africans. Fees totally scrapped,” Ablakwa announced.
He added that the policy aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision and honours the Pan-African ideals of Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Government says the e-Visa system guarantees visa decisions within 48 hours and is expected to boost tourism, intra-African trade and investment under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.
Prez. John Dramani Mahama