A significant change to Ghana’s visa application process has been announced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration.
All visa applications will be handled within five working days under the new policy.
This directive is effective right now.
On Tuesday, May 21, 2025, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs, made the news in a message posted on his official Facebook page.
The measure, he continued, is intended to resolve long-standing delays in visa processing, which previously took an average of four to six weeks.
“We have put in place adequate measures at our diplomatic missions to drastically cut down the visa processing time from the troubling average of four to six weeks to our new five-day directive,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
He made it clear that the new rule does not guarantee that all applicants will be granted visas.
Instead, it guarantees that, within five working days of submission, each application will receive a definitive decision, either approving or rejecting it.
“A decision will be made within five working days as to whether one is eligible for a Ghanaian visa or not,” he added.
The minister claims that this endeavour carries out a major pledge made by President John Dramani Mahama, who said that Ghana is open for business in his inaugural speech on January 7, 2025.
The Ministry is dedicated to converting this vision into workable steps that eliminate needless delays and enhance the responsiveness of consular services, Mr. Ablakwa stated.
It is anticipated that the expedited visa procedure will help Ghana’s larger initiatives to draw in foreign capital, boost travel, and strengthen ties with other countries.
“As Foreign Minister, I want to make Ghana a more attractive destination for investors and tourists by removing the bureaucratic hurdles that have discouraged many over the years,” he said.
“Ghana is truly open for business. Come enjoy the Black Star experience,” Mr Ablakwa concluded.
NKONKONSA.com
