GHANAIAN PASSPORT NOW GRANTS ACCESS TO 50 VISA-FREE DESTINATIONS – Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa
Foreign Affairs Minister says more visa waiver agreements expected in coming months as Ghana targets stronger global mobility
Ghanaian passport holders can now travel to approximately 50 countries without securing a visa in advance, according to Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
The Minister disclosed this on the sidelines of the African Union (AU) Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on February 12, 2026. He added that the number is expected to increase significantly in the coming months as Ghana finalises additional visa waiver agreements.
“Expect more visa waiver agreements this year. Even within the month of March, you’ll be hearing some good news. April, some good news. May, there’ll be some good news. Expect more,” Mr Ablakwa told journalists.
Visa-Free, Visa-on-Arrival and E-Visa Access
The new access arrangements include completely visa-free entry, visa-on-arrival (VOA), and electronic visa (e-visa) options across various regions.
Countries currently offering visa-free access to Ghanaian passport holders include Bahamas, Barbados, Benin, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Dominica, Fiji, Grenada, Guinea, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Mauritius, Nigeria, Rwanda, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and several others across Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific.
Some destinations offer visa-on-arrival services, including Zambia and the Maldives, while others provide simplified e-visa systems such as India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Qatar, Türkiye, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Zambia is the latest country to sign a visa waiver agreement with Ghana, further expanding travel flexibility for Ghanaian citizens.
Boost for Trade and Tourism
Mr Ablakwa emphasised that the growing list of visa waivers will enhance business mobility, strengthen diplomatic ties, and open up new trade and investment opportunities.
“At its core, a visa waiver allows citizens to travel between countries without the lengthy and often costly process of securing a visa in advance,” he explained.
He noted that easier travel will allow Ghanaian entrepreneurs to negotiate deals, explore markets, and build partnerships without bureaucratic delays. The move is also expected to boost tourism, aviation, hospitality, and related sectors through reciprocal travel arrangements.
“We want the Ghanaian passport to be the most valued passport in Africa and one of the most valued anywhere in the world. And we are on course,” the Minister stated.
Enhanced Security Features
The Foreign Affairs Minister also highlighted improvements to the Ghanaian passport’s security architecture. He disclosed that the new passport is now fully chip-embedded, moving beyond traditional biometric systems.
“It is now probably the most secure in terms of security features. We are ahead of so many countries,” he stressed.
He acknowledged that increased global access could attract attempts by fraudsters to misuse Ghanaian passports but assured that the Ministry has invested in artificial intelligence tools and modern technology to prevent infiltration.
“As we sign more visa waiver agreements, some people will try to take undue advantage. Be assured that we have improved security to ensure our passports do not fall into the wrong hands,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa also commended Ministry staff and Ghana’s diplomatic corps for their efforts in negotiating the agreements and strengthening Ghana’s global standing.
He added that passport delivery services have been expanded across all 16 regions, with improved efficiency and reduced fees for applicants.
According to the Minister, the developments mark “great times for Ghanaian passport holders” as the country positions itself for greater international mobility and economic engagement.
Source:NKONKONSA.com
