Ghana has concluded and ratified a series of visa waiver agreements with countries across Europe, Latin America, Africa, and the Caribbean, a move the government says will enhance the global mobility of its citizens and elevate the value of the Ghanaian passport.
Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed the deals when he took his turn at the Government Accountability Series at the Presidency in Accra.
The agreements cover ordinary passport holders and include Morocco, Mozambique, Colombia, São Tomé and Príncipe, Dominica, Serbia, Algeria, and Angola. Implementation of the deal with Morocco has already begun.
“These agreements represent a significant step towards enhancing the global mobility of Ghanaians, placing more value on the Ghanaian passport and fostering stronger economic cultural and people to people exchanges,” Mr. Ablakwa said on Monday, September 15.
The Ministry also facilitated the ratification of several international treaties and agreements in Parliament, including the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, World Trade Organization protocols on fishery subsidies, and conventions on international civil aviation and maritime safety.
First-ever KPI framework for ambassadors
Beyond visa deals, the Minister highlighted what he described as a historic reform: the introduction of a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) framework for Ghana’s envoys.
Unveiled by President John Mahama at the September Conference of Heads of Mission, the 500-page KPI document sets measurable benchmarks for ambassadors and high commissioners in areas such as trade promotion, diaspora engagement, cultural diplomacy, and consular services.
“This is the first time in Ghana’s history that our envoys are being sent out with a clear performance framework to guide the execution of their mandate. It will make our diplomats more accountable and ensure they deliver tangible outcomes,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
The new performance delivery unit at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, headed by former Ambassador Alexander Grant Ntrakwa, will oversee the monitoring of envoys.
Expanding diplomatic footprint
Foreign Affairs Minister, Okudzeto Ablakwa, also announced that Ghana has opened a mission in Budapest, Hungary, and plans to establish new consulates in Lisbon, Dublin, Massachusetts (United States), and Singapore.
“These steps will deepen Ghana’s global reach and create more opportunities for trade, investment, and cultural exchanges,” he noted.
The minister further pointed to strategic engagements with global partners, including the June 2025 Ghana–European Union Partnership Dialogue in Accra, which focused on trade, climate action, security cooperation, and youth employment.
6 Responses
Great news
Well done Mr.Ablakwa, but I want to be clear in my mind, please thus this Visa waiver agreement favours the citizens of the countries involved?, and also upon arrival, are you going to pay some money and give you the Visa at the Airport before you will allowed to exit, for eg.,if I choose to go to Columbia, thank you!
Great. These are the men we lacked 8byears ago.
The question now is “When will this come into effect?”
The website of Gh High Commission in London does not say that. I still have to pay for a visa as a Sao Tomean.
Ma br3!
Honorable minster thank you for the good work you are doing for your country and may God blessed you with more wisdom and understanding. Please may question is with the Visa waiver does it include working Visa or only tourist visa. Thank you
Honorable please when is it going to take effect Ghana and serbia waiver agreement please 🙏