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Ghana to launch e-visa system on May 25, offering free visas for African travelers
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Ghana's Cabinet has approved a new electronic visa e-visa policy, aiming to enhance tourism, business, and regional integration. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the decision, stating that the system will allow travelers to apply for visas online. President John Dramani Mahama initially unveiled the policy on April 2, 2026. From May 25, 2026, coinciding with Africa Day, African travelers will be able to apply for e-visas online at no cost. This initiative removes the $150 fee previously charged to African Union nationals for visas on arrival, though an application and screening process will still be required. The government assures that the e-visa platform will integrate with Ghana鈥檚 Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems, as well as international crime databases, to maintain security. This move aligns with Ghana's broader strategy to be open for investment and exploration, joining countries like Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles in easing visa restrictions across Africa.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadGhana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for an investigation into alleged attacks on properties belonging to Ghanaian business magnate Sir Sam Jonah in Nigeria. Ablakwa made the appeal on July 24, 2026, to Nigeria's High Commissioner-designate to Ghana, Shehu Ilyu Barde, upon receiving his letters of credence. The Minister highlighted reports concerning Mobus Investments, a company linked to Sir Sam Jonah, which came to his attention through Nigerian reports and civil society groups. Ablakwa emphasized the importance of African countries protecting and encouraging cross-border investments, stating that Ghanaian businesses operating in other African nations deserve the same support as Nigerian businesses. He added that improved support for businesses across the continent would help unlock the full potential of Africa's integrated market. Shehu Ilyu Barde assured Ablakwa that the matter would be followed up and feedback provided, promising to work together to resolve the issue.
Dr Gideon Boako, the Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament's Finance Committee, stated that Ghana's improving macroeconomic indicators are meaningless if they do not lead to job creation for the youth. Speaking on NewsFile on Saturday, July 25, 2026, Dr Boako emphasized that economic success should be measured by improved lives for ordinary Ghanaians through employment, higher incomes, and greater economic opportunities, not solely by favorable fiscal and macroeconomic statistics. He described a growing economy with unemployed youth as a "factory of frustration." Dr Boako acknowledged the government's focus on declining inflation and stronger macroeconomic indicators but highlighted that many young people still struggle to find decent jobs after completing their education. He warned that economic growth without corresponding job creation could exacerbate inequality and erode public confidence in ongoing economic reforms. Dr Boako stressed that fiscal and economic policies should be evaluated by their ability to stimulate private sector expansion, support entrepreneurship, and create sustainable employment opportunities, not just by headline growth figures. His remarks were made during discussions on the 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review, which assessed the government's fiscal performance and how economic improvements are translating into tangible benefits for Ghanaians.
Must ReadThe Ghanaian government has announced the resumption of evacuations for its citizens in South Africa due to ongoing xenophobic attacks. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on July 25, 2026, detailing that this phase of evacuations is expected to cover approximately 1,000 Ghanaians and will be conducted in groups. The first flights are scheduled to arrive in Accra on Sunday, July 26, and Monday, July 27, 2026. Priority for evacuation will be given to women, children, the elderly, individuals with medical conditions, and students. The Ministry advised distressed Ghanaians in South Africa to contact the Ghana High Commission for updates and urged all citizens to remain calm, avoid unrest areas, and cooperate with High Commission officials.