GHANA, ZAMBIA AGREE ON VISA-FREE TRAVEL IN LANDMARK DEAL

Ghana and Zambia have reached a landmark visa waiver agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to travel freely between the two nations without the need for entry visas.

The breakthrough was announced by Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, during President John Dramani Mahama’s three-day state visit to Zambia, which is aimed at deepening diplomatic, economic and cultural relations between the two African countries.

President Mahama arrived in Lusaka on Wednesday, February 4, and was warmly received at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by his Zambian counterpart, President Hakainde Hichilema, and senior government officials.

Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the visit, Mr Ablakwa described the visa-free arrangement as one of the most significant outcomes of the bilateral engagements.

“For the first time in the history of Ghana–Zambia relations, we are going to have a free visa regime between our two countries,” he said. “You will no longer have to stress about visas.”

He explained that easing travel restrictions would significantly boost trade, tourism, investment and cultural exchange, while strengthening people-to-people relations.

Mr Ablakwa further revealed that the visa waiver was a direct instruction from President Mahama, issued ahead of the state visit.

“This was one of the clear conditions President Mahama gave us. He told me, ‘Foreign Minister, if you don’t make this happen, don’t join me on this visit,’” he said.

The agreement is expected to remove long-standing bureaucratic barriers faced by businesspeople, students, professionals and tourists, and aligns with President Mahama’s broader vision of a more integrated and connected Africa with freer movement of people and goods.

Further details on the implementation timeline and operational guidelines of the visa-free policy are expected to be announced following the conclusion of the state visit.

Source:NKONKONSA.com