President John Dramani Mahama has announced a major overhaul of Ghana’s immigration and border systems, eliminating visa fees for all African nationals and introducing a fully digital e-Visa platform.
The announcement, made on Africa Day, marks the end of Ghana’s previous visa-on-arrival policy for African travelers. In its place, the government is rolling out a biometric-backed electronic visa system designed to improve both accessibility and national security.
According to President Mahama, the move reflects Ghana’s commitment to advancing African integration despite the slow implementation of the African Union’s 2018 Free Movement Protocol under Agenda 2063.
“Ghana believes that when continental processes move too slowly, decisive national leadership must fill that gap,” the President said. “We are giving practical expression to the long-held aspiration that Africans should be able to move freely within their own continent with dignity, opportunity, and purpose.”
With the new policy, Ghana joins countries such as Rwanda, Kenya, Benin, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Togo in easing travel restrictions for African citizens. The government also framed the initiative as a stand against growing protectionism and anti-African sentiment in some parts of the continent.
Despite the relaxed travel requirements, President Mahama stressed that national security remains a priority. The e-Visa platform is integrated with Ghana’s Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems, allowing authorities to conduct real-time intelligence and background checks before approving travel authorizations.
Travelers will be required to submit supporting documents online, while the system will automatically screen applicants against international watchlists and crime databases.
“Let no one misunderstand Ghana’s openness and hospitality as a relaxation of our national security obligations,” the President stated.
The government also plans to digitize work and residence permit applications through collaboration between the Ministry of the Interior, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and the Ministry of Transport. Officials say the transition to electronic processing will reduce bureaucracy, speed up approvals, and improve the country’s investment climate.
Meanwhile, upgrades are underway at Kotoka International Airport, where advanced 3D scanners are being installed at Terminals 2 and 3. By August, passengers will reportedly no longer need to remove electronics, liquids, shoes, or belts during security screening.
President Mahama further revealed that the new e-Visa system was developed entirely by Ghanaian engineers, describing it as proof of the country’s growing technological capabilities. The launch event concluded with a live demonstration in which the platform successfully processed and issued its first electronic visa to an international traveler.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
