Ghana’s Parliament has officially ratified visa waiver agreements with four countries; Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica.
This marks a significant step toward strengthening global engagement and cooperation. The agreements will ease travel for citizens holding diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports, eliminating visa requirements and facilitating smoother movement between Ghana and the partner countries.
According to Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, Chairman of the Parliamentary Committee on Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, the decision aims to reinforce strategic partnerships across various sectors, including education, trade, tourism, energy, and agriculture. Increased ease of travel is expected to open new avenues for collaboration and mutual development.
Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa told lawmakers that the visa exemptions will not lead to any immediate loss of government revenue. He emphasized that while visa fees will be forgone, the anticipated long-term benefits, particularly in tourism and trade, far exceed any short-term fiscal considerations.
The ratification reflects Ghana’s broader diplomatic strategy to enhance bilateral and multilateral relations, foster people-to-people exchanges, and promote regional and international cooperation.
