Ghana’s Parliament has ratified visa waiver agreements with four countries – Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica. The agreements, approved on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, allow holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports to travel between Ghana and these countries without visa requirements.
Key Objectives of the Agreements
The visa waiver agreements aim to:
– Strengthen Multilateral Partnerships: Support cooperation in key areas such as education, energy, trade, tourism, and agriculture
– Promote Economic Benefits: Increase trade, tourism, and bilateral cooperation, resulting in long-term socio-economic benefits for the countries involved
Minister’s Assurance on Revenue Loss
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, assured Parliament that the agreements would not lead to immediate revenue losses. Instead, the removal of visa fees would be outweighed by broader economic benefits, including increased trade and tourism.
Expected Outcomes
The visa waiver agreements are expected to:
– Boost Tourism: Enhance travel between Ghana and the partner countries, promoting cultural exchange and economic growth
– Deepen Bilateral Relations: Foster stronger relationships between Ghana and the partner countries, contributing to long-term socio-economic development
– Increase Trade: Facilitate trade and investment between Ghana and the partner countries, promoting economic cooperation and growth
By waiving visa requirements, Ghana is taking a significant step towards strengthening its relationships with these countries and promoting economic cooperation.