Ghana’s Parliament has ratified new visa waiver agreements with Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and Dominica—marking a significant shift in the country’s travel and diplomatic strategy beyond the African continent.
The agreements, presented by Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, Chair of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, apply to holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports. They aim to boost cooperation in key sectors such as education, energy, trade, tourism, and agriculture.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa told lawmakers that the visa exemptions will not result in direct financial losses, asserting that the expected gains—particularly in trade and tourism—would far outweigh the revenue from previous visa fees. He described the policy as part of a long-term strategy to deepen bilateral ties and unlock shared socio-economic benefits.
This latest move builds on Ghana’s prior decision—under former President Nana Akufo-Addo—to grant visa-free access to all African passport holders, positioning Ghana among the continent’s leaders in free movement. That initiative aligned with the African Union’s broader vision of intra-African mobility.
Now, under President John Dramani Mahama, who took office in early 2025, Ghana is expanding that legacy outward. The inclusion of countries like Colombia and Dominica signals a clear intent to foster South-South cooperation and a more globally integrated approach to development and diplomacy.
Officials say the move is both symbolic and strategic—reflecting Ghana’s ambition to become a hub for international partnership within and beyond Africa.
