Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that the government plans to launch an electronic visa (e-visa) system in the first quarter of 2026. The initiative aims to simplify travel and reduce costs for Africans living abroad who want to visit Ghana.
He made the disclosure during the closing session of the inaugural Diaspora Summit in Accra on Saturday, December 20, 2025. Ablakwa described the policy as a direct instruction from President John Dramani Mahama to strengthen ties with the diaspora.
“I’m delighted to announce that, under President Mahama’s strict instructions, we will roll out an e-visa policy in the first quarter of 2026,” he said. “We’ve consulted with management and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to create a special dispensation for Africans in the diaspora. You won’t pay the same fees as others, making it easier, smoother, and more convenient to return to the motherland.”
The minister stressed that the system will operate on a reciprocity basis, with Ghana’s visa fees matching what Ghanaians pay to enter other countries. “We’ll ensure everyone pays the same as we do when travelling abroad in the spirit of reciprocity so we can raise the funds needed to develop our nation,” he added.
Ablakwa linked the e-visa rollout to broader economic goals, arguing that increased diaspora travel would boost domestic investment and national revenue. He highlighted the potential of reviving Ghana Airways, saying, “Imagine if all those inbound tickets were booked with Ghana Airways. That money would invest in our economy, not foreign airlines.”
Story by: Mercy Addai Turkson #ahotoronline.com