🇬🇭GhanaWest Africa
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.
Professor Isaac Owusu Mensah, Head of the Department of Political Science at the University of Ghana, has called for state funding of political parties, emphasizing their crucial role as vehicles for democratic change. Speaking at a study presentation on Ghana’s democratic trajectory, he highlighted that while Ghanaians remain committed to democracy and the ability to change governments through elections, there is growing dissatisfaction with corruption and the economic performance of democratic governments. The study, conducted across all regions and 107 constituencies, found that despite public admiration for some West African military leaders, Ghanaians value democratic governance. Professor Owusu Mensah argued that the state must actively support political parties, suggesting a review of the country’s Elections Fund to provide financial aid, managed jointly by the Majority Leader and the Minister for Finance. Anna Lena Sabroso Wasserfall, Country Representative of Konrad Adenauer Stiftung KAS Ghana, noted the timeliness of the study given recent military takeovers in West Africa and global concerns about democratic backsliding, stressing the importance of understanding public perceptions to strengthen democratic resilience.
Two Ghanaian citizens, Barbara Twum and Jennifer Owusu, have petitioned President John Dramani Mahama regarding alleged sexually suggestive remarks attributed to Ashanti Regional Minister Dr Frank Amoakohene. The petition, dated June 10, 2026, claims a Facebook post by the minister, directed at former National Youth Authority Deputy CEO Akosua Manu, contained sexually explicit and degrading language. The petitioners argue that these remarks constitute sexual harassment, violate professional standards, and breach the Presidential Code of Conduct and Ethics 2025, specifically rules on civility, respect, and the duty of public officers to treat citizens with dignity. They contend that such language creates a hostile environment for women in public life and undermines constitutional principles of equality. The petition requests the presidency to investigate the matter, issue a formal written reprimand to the minister, and consider terminating his appointment. The Office of the President has not yet publicly responded to the petition.
Must ReadGhana has a significant presence in global governance, conflict resolution, and international humanitarian law through its diplomats at the United Nations. This legacy, anchored by former Secretary-General Kofi Annan, continues with high-ranking officials like Edem Wosornu. Kofi Annan, who served as the seventh Secretary-General from 1997 to 2006, revitalized the UN, was the chief architect of the Millennium Development Goals, launched the UN Global Compact, and was jointly awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2001. Edem Wosornu is the Director of Operations and Advocacy for the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs OCHA, with over two decades of experience in the UN system. Martha Ama Pobee serves as the Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations, and was Ghana’s first female Permanent Representative to the United Nations in 2015. Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas served as the Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Office for West Africa and the Sahel UNOWAS. Hanna Serwaa Tetteh has held several senior UN appointments, including Director-General of the United Nations Office at Nairobi, Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the African Union, Special Envoy for the Horn of Africa, and currently serves as the UN Secretary-General's Special Representative for Libya and Head of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya UNSMIL. Ghana's influence stem