Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says Ghana’s newly launched e-visa portal is part of a broader government strategy to make the country more attractive for business, tourism and investment.
The online platform, launched officially on Africa Day, allows travellers from around the world to apply for Ghanaian visas entirely online without visiting embassies or consulates.
Speaking at the launch ceremony at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City in Accra on Monday, May 25, Mr Ablakwa said the initiative aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision of repositioning Ghana as an accessible and investor-friendly destination.
“The newly inaugurated President of the Republic declared that Ghana is open for business again,” he said.
“And if Ghana must truly demonstrate that we are open for business, then our visa processing regime must reflect that reset agenda.”
According to the minister, the previous visa application process had generated frustration among travellers and international partners because of long delays, cumbersome procedures and difficulties in accessing visas.
“Many of our international partners complained about the long queues, delays and how difficult it sometimes was to secure visas,” he stated.
Mr Ablakwa explained that Cabinet approved the new e-visa policy as part of efforts to modernise Ghana’s immigration system and improve investor confidence.
“The President decided that, as part of his Ghana Open for Business strategy, we should overhaul the country’s visa processing system,” he said.
“That process has now culminated in the launch of this e-visa portal backed by a new e-visa policy.”
In a major announcement during the launch, the Foreign Affairs Minister also revealed that visa fees for all African travellers entering Ghana had been abolished.
“On this Africa Day, the President has decided that all Africans travelling to Ghana will no longer pay visa fees,” he announced.
“For the first time in Ghana’s history, visa fees for Africans have been completely scrapped.”
Mr Ablakwa described the move as a major step towards promoting African integration and strengthening continental ties.
He also dismissed claims circulating on social media suggesting that an existing e-visa contract was already in place.
“Let me assure Ghanaians that there is no existing e-visa contract. Nothing of that sort exists,” he clarified.
According to him, the government sought legal guidance from the Attorney General after reviewing documents linked to an earlier machine-readable passport contract.
“The Attorney General’s opinion is clear that the machine-readable passport contract is entirely different from an e-visa arrangement,” he explained.
The minister further disclosed that the project was being implemented through a public-private partnership, meaning taxpayers would not bear the financial burden of establishing the platform.
“The beauty of this arrangement is that taxpayers are not paying for the system,” he said.
“The private partner is setting it up under the supervision of the Ministry of Communications, NITA and the Cyber Security Authority.”
Meanwhile, Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak assured the public that the simplified visa process would not compromise Ghana’s national security.
Speaking at the same event, Mr Muntaka said countries increasingly compete through efficient systems that make travel and business easier.
“Nations do not compete only with resources. They compete with systems and efficiency,” he said.
According to him, the e-visa platform is designed to eliminate unnecessary delays and uncertainty for travellers seeking entry into Ghana.
“This platform removes barriers. No more unnecessary delays. No more uncertainty,” he stated.
“Instead, we are offering speed, convenience and confidence.”
Mr Muntaka said the initiative sends a clear message that Ghana is ready for tourism, investment and stronger global partnerships.
“We are telling the world that Ghana is open for business, ready for tourism and ready for international partnerships,” he added.
He, however, stressed that the government remained fully committed to national security.
“Openness does not mean weakness. We are not only opening our doors; we are strengthening them,” he said.
The Interior Minister explained that the digital platform would allow security agencies to assess travellers before they arrive in the country.
“Before a traveller even boards a plane, we already know who is coming. We can assess risks early, identify threats early and act early. That is modern border control,” he said.
“That is responsible leadership and how we protect our citizens while still welcoming the world.”