The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has outlined key details of Ghana’s upcoming free visa policy for Africans, assuring that the initiative will be implemented with robust security measures and a modern digital system.
President Mahama at a bilateral meeting with the Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Peduase Lodge on Thursday, April 2, 2026 announced the new policy.
He said effective May 25, 2026 Ghana will deploy a free visa regime for all Africans entering the country in a bid to remove barriers and foster a unified African front.
“I am also pleased to announce that effective 25th May 2026 when we commemorate Africa Day, Ghana will commence a free visa regime for all Africans. Africans travelling to Ghana will receive their e-visas online free of charge,” the President stated.
Clarifying the new policy in a Facebook post on April 3, Mr. Ablakwa said while African travellers will not be required to pay visa fees under the new policy, they will still undergo a full visa application and screening process.
“Not paying visa fees is not the same as automatic entry into Ghana. There shall be no automatic and unvetted entries,” he emphasised.
Mr. Ablakwa explained that the policy forms part of a broader e-Visa system expected to be introduced in the coming weeks. Under the new arrangement, all applicants, including Africans, will be required to apply through the e-Visa platform.
The system, he noted, will be integrated with Ghana’s Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API-PNR) system, as well as international crime databases, enabling consular officers to conduct thorough background checks on applicants.
He stressed that individuals with criminal records or those deemed to pose security risks will not be granted entry into the country.
The Minister added that significant investments have been made by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Transport to ensure the system is technologically sound and capable of safeguarding national security while improving access.
He further clarified that although a similar free visa policy for Africans was announced in 2024 under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, it was not implemented due to the absence of the necessary systems and safeguards.
Mr. Ablakwa said Ghana is now fully prepared to roll out both the e-Visa platform and the free visa policy from May 25, 2026, coinciding with Africa Day.
The initiative is expected to enhance regional integration and ease travel across the continent while maintaining strict immigration controls.
