Ghana Launches E-Visa Portal
President John Dramani Mahama has launched the country’s electronic visa (e-visa) portal, a key reform aimed at streamlining visa applications, improving travel facilitation, and modernising the country’s immigration system through digital technology.
The platform is designed to make the visa application process more efficient and accessible while ensuring that all applicants continue to undergo strict security checks and due diligence in line with national security requirements.
He outlined ongoing improvements at Ghana’s international airports, noting that new 3D scanning systems are being installed at Terminals 2 and 3.
These upgrades will eliminate the need for passengers to remove laptops and liquids from hand luggage.
He added that from August, additional modern equipment will also remove the inconvenience of removing shoes and belts during security screening, as part of efforts to enhance the overall travel experience.
President Mahama emphasised that while Ghana continues to improve travel convenience and efficiency, national security remains uncompromised.
He noted that Ghana’s approach stands in contrast to growing global trends of restriction, stating that the country remains committed to welcoming Africans and positioning itself as a home for continental mobility.
He also stressed that outdated systems can no longer define Ghana’s engagement with the world, adding that the reforms reflect a broader ambition to leverage technology to improve governance, strengthen border management, deepen African integration, and enhance national security.
On his part, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the launch of the e-visa is a demonstration of Ghana’s commitment to open its borders for business and tourism, among others.
He informed that the platform features an enhanced security system of international standards, and so, the security of the country would not be compromised.
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak stated that the e-Visa platform presents Ghana with the opportunity not to only compete through natural resources but also through efficient systems that facilitate investment, tourism and global partnerships.
For his part, the Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, noted that the integration of the e-visa portal with Ghana’s passenger information systems would significantly improve border control, passenger screening and overall travel experience.
Visa Fee Waiver
At the launch, President Mahama also announced visa fee waivers for all African passport holders travelling to Ghana for business or tourism, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to continental integration and openness, marking the 63rd African Union Day.
This decision by the government is aimed at promoting the continental integration agenda of the African Union as envisaged in one of the flagship programmes (The African Passport and Free Movement of People) of Agenda 2063 regarding free movement of all African citizens in all African countries.
Commenting on the operationalisation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is also a flagship programme of the African Union, he stated that both are complementary and would require implementation to drive economic growth on the continent.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade of Jamaica, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, JP, commended Ghana for advancing African unity and facilitating stronger connections between Africa and the Caribbean.
She also lauded Ghana’s continued commitment to Pan-Africanism and innovation as she recalled the historic and cultural bonds shared between Ghana and Jamaica.
She further used the platform to convey the appreciation of the Government of Jamaica to Ghana for the assistance provided during the reconstruction after the hurricane Melissa disaster.
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