Ghana adds two non-African countries to visa-free list in push for global ties

Business Insider

7 days ago

In a major diplomatic move, Ghana's Parliament has approved visa-free agreements with four countries - Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica marking an expansion of the country's visa-free travel regime. Notably, the inclusion of non-African countries - Colombia and the Commonwealth of Dominica signals Ghana's deepening push to build global partnerships beyond the African continent.
Ghana's Parliament approved visa waiver agreements with Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica.
The visa waivers apply to holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports and aim to foster developmental partnerships.
The policy aligns with Ghana's continuing commitment to regional and global integration and mobility enhancements.
The visa-free agreements, as presented on the floor of Parliament by the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, apply to holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports.
According to Vanderpuije's presentation, the waiver is expected to boost partnerships in key sectors such as education, energy, trade, tourism, and agriculture. The announcement signals Ghana's ongoing efforts to strengthen multilateral ties through enhanced mobility and cooperation.
Also speaking before Parliament, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the visa waivers will not lead to immediate or direct revenue losses.
While acknowledging that visa fees will be waived, Ablakwa noted that the broader economic benefits, particularly in trade and tourism, are expected to significantly outweigh any potential fiscal impact.
He described the initiative as part of a long-term strategy to deepen bilateral cooperation and unlock shared socio-economic advantages.
Ghana's move to enable visa free travel
Just before leaving office, Ghana's former President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, approved visa-free entry for all African nationals making Ghana the fifth African country to remove visa requirements for holders of African passports.
The decision marked a significant step toward regional integration, aligning with the African Union's goal of free movement across the continent.
Since assuming office in January 2025, President John Dramani Mahama's administration has not only embraced this legacy but moved to deepen Ghana's commitment to open-border diplomacy.
In a bold expansion of the visa-free policy, the Mahama-led government recently extended visa-free access to non-African countries which includes São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica.
This strategic outreach reflects Ghana's ambition to position itself as a gateway to Africa, while also strengthening South-South cooperation and economic diplomacy beyond the continent.
The inclusion of these countries—two from Latin America and two from Africa signals Accra's broader vision to foster global partnerships, boost tourism and trade, and enhance Ghana's soft power on the world stage.
Officials close to the policy suggest that more countries may be added in the coming months, especially those with strong bilateral ties or mutual trade interests with Ghana. The move is also expected to encourage reciprocal agreements, allowing Ghanaian travelers greater ease of movement globally.
Together, these efforts position Ghana as a leader in Africa's mobility agenda—championing integration not only within the continent but also building new bridges with emerging partners across the Global South.