Government has announced plans to roll out an electronic visa (e-visa) system in the first quarter of 2026 as part of efforts to make travel to Ghana more accessible, affordable and convenient for Africans living abroad.
The announcement was made by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, at the closing ceremony of the maiden Diaspora Summit held in Accra on Saturday, December 20, 2025. According to him, the initiative follows a clear policy directive from President John Dramani Mahama to deepen Ghana’s engagement with its diaspora community.
Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that under the new system, Africans in the diaspora would enjoy special concessions, including reduced visa fees, compared to other categories of travellers. He explained that the objective is to remove bureaucratic and financial barriers that discourage frequent visits to Ghana.
“The government, acting on the instruction of President John Dramani Mahama, will introduce an e-visa regime in early 2026. We are also creating special dispensations for Africans in the diaspora so they do not pay the same fees as others and can travel to the motherland with ease,” he said.
The Foreign Affairs Minister further noted that Ghana’s visa regime would be guided by the principle of reciprocity. This means visa charges imposed by Ghana would mirror what Ghanaians are required to pay when entering other countries.
“In the spirit of fairness and reciprocity, whatever we pay to enter their countries will be what they pay to enter Ghana. This will help us raise the revenue needed to support national development,” he added.
