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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’s 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.
A fire destroyed the District Magistrate Courts ‘A’ and ‘B’ in Sunyani, leading to the loss of vital documents, computers, and other essential materials. The blaze, which occurred in the early hours of Sunday, left the judicial facility in charred remains. ADO I Kwame Adomako Antwi, the Bono Regional Public Relations Officer of the Ghana National Fire Service, confirmed the extensive destruction, stating that wood, chairs, documents, computers, and air conditioners were all razed. The fire is believed to have started around 3:00 AM, and the alarm was raised by a “running caller” who physically reported the incident to a fire station. Firefighters from the Sunyani Fire Station responded, later joined by two tenders from the Abesim Fire Station. However, efforts were hampered as one fire tender ran out of water, another developed a fault, and there was a struggle to find water within the municipality, with fire hydrants reported as dry. The lack of water allowed the fire to spread uncontrollably, consuming everything inside the court buildings before it was eventually brought under control.
Must ReadCole Thomas Allen, a 31-year-old from Torrance, California, has been identified as the individual who caused a disturbance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner. The incident led to the evacuation of US President Donald Trump from the Washington Hilton Hotel ballroom, where approximately 2,500 guests were gathered. Police reported that Allen breached a security checkpoint and fired at a Secret Service agent, who survived due to a bullet-proof vest. Allen was armed with a shotgun, a handgun, and knives. He was apprehended and taken to a hospital for evaluation. Metropolitan Police Department Interim Chief Jeffrey Carroll confirmed that Allen was believed to be a guest at the hotel, and a room linked to him was secured. President Trump described Allen as a "lone wolf whack job." Officials stated Allen had no prior criminal record. His LinkedIn profile indicates he was a part-time teacher at C2 Education, a video game developer, and a graduate of the California Institute of Technology with a degree in mechanical engineering, also holding a master's degree in computer science from California State University-Dominguez Hills. He was previously featured in a 2017 news report for developing a wheelchair emergency brake prototype.
Davindra Singh, an Indian national who was reported missing from Ahenema Kokoben, has been found dead inside the boot of his car at Konkoli, Ghana. The vehicle was discovered parked by the roadside. Reports indicate that bloodstains were found at the scene, suggesting possible foul play. A resident mentioned that unknown individuals had parked the car, initially leading to the assumption it had broken down. Police have retrieved the body for autopsy, and investigations are underway to identify and apprehend those responsible.
An Accra High Court has dismissed a GH¢10 million defamation lawsuit filed by former Finance Minister Ken Ofori-Atta against broadcaster Blessed Godsbrain Smart, also known as Captain Smart. The court, presided over by Justice Francis Obiri, struck out the case on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, citing a lack of prosecution. The decision was made under Order 36 Rule 1 2 b of CI 47, as the plaintiff had repeatedly failed to actively pursue the case. Records showed the case had been adjourned 18 times, but Ofori-Atta appeared in court only three times, with his last appearance on May 20, 2024. The court rejected an application for adjournment from Ofori-Atta's counsel, Bright Okyere-Adjekum. The lawsuit stemmed from alleged defamatory comments made by Captain Smart on a television program, where he claimed Ofori-Atta took a 10% cut from Ghana's dealings with the International Monetary Fund and other loans. Ofori-Atta described these statements as "palpably false, absolutely fabricated… also deliberately calculated to disparage" him. The court emphasized its authority to dismiss or strike out an action for want of prosecution if the plaintiff fails to attend court. No costs were awarded to the defendants.