ACCRA, Ghana, 4 March: President John Dramani Mahama has announced that the visa waiver agreement between Ghana and Saint Kitts and Nevis, first signed in 2018, has been extended to include holders of ordinary passports.
The President said the decision is expected to ease travel restrictions, strengthen diplomatic relations, and boost tourism, trade, and business cooperation between the two countries.
“Distinguished guests, I am pleased to announce that Ghana and St. Kitts and Nevis have agreed to extend our 2018 Visa Waiver Agreement. This was previously applicable to holders of only diplomatic and service passports. Now this extension of the Visa Waiver includes holders of ordinary passports” he said.
He continued by saying: “This practical and transformative step will significantly facilitate tourism, trade, business exchanges, and people-to-people connections”.
President Mahama made the announcement at an Official State Luncheon held in honour of the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Michael Drew, who is in Ghana for a state visit.
Beyond the visa exemption, President Mahama disclosed that discussions are ongoing to establish structured labour mobility arrangements between the two nations.
“We will also continue discussions on structured labor mobility arrangements. Ghana is prepared where appropriate to support St. Kitts and Nevis with skilled professionals, including nurses, teachers, and other technical experts, while ensuring mutually beneficial frameworks between our countries” he stated.
Prime Minister Drew’s official visit to Ghana runs from Tuesday, March 3, to Saturday, March 7, 2026. During his stay, he is expected to participate in Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebrations on Friday, March 6, marking another milestone in the country’s history.
The Prime Minister and his delegation began their engagements on Wednesday with a visit to the University of Ghana, where he held discussions with the Vice-Chancellor.
He was later received at the Presidency for bilateral talks, followed by the official state luncheon aimed at deepening diplomatic and economic cooperation.
The visit also witnessed the signing of key agreements to formalise collaboration between the two countries. These include:
1. Memorandum of Understanding on the Establishment of a Political Consultation Mechanism between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Government of the Republic of St. Christopher (Kitts) and Nevis.
2. Agreement on Visa Exemption for Holders of Ordinary Passports between the Government of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis and the Government of the Republic of Ghana.
3. Bilateral Labour Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Government of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis for the recruitment of Ghanaian medical professionals.
The agreements signal a new phase in Ghana-Saint Kitts and Nevis relations, with both leaders expressing commitment to expanding cooperation in diplomacy, trade, education, and healthcare.
LISTEN TO PRESIDENT MAHAMA IN THE AUDIO BELOW:
Story by: Emmanuel Romeo Tetteh(#RomeoWrites✍️)/Ahotoronline.com | Ghana 🇬🇭