Ghana Seeks Additional Visa Waiver Agreements by 2027

The government of Ghana is intensifying efforts to expand international travel opportunities for its citizens and strengthen diplomatic relations with countries worldwide. By the end of 2027, Ghana aims to conclude additional visa waiver agreements. This move is part of a broader diplomatic drive to improve the international recognition, security, and value of the Ghanaian passport.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this information following bilateral discussions with Tunisia's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Migration and Tunisians Abroad, Mohamed Ali Nafti. During the discussions, both countries agreed to commence negotiations towards a reciprocal visa waiver arrangement. This arrangement is expected to form part of Ghana's strategy to enhance its global standing and facilitate easier international mobility for Ghanaians.

Tunisia is among several countries expressing interest in establishing visa waiver arrangements with Ghana. Slovakia has also recently communicated its willingness to pursue a similar agreement. According to Mr. Ablakwa, the increasing interest from other countries reflects growing international confidence in Ghana's passport. The government remains determined to enhance its global standing and facilitate easier international mobility for Ghanaians.

The proposed visa waiver arrangement between Ghana and Tunisia has not yet been finalized, and the categories of passport holders it will cover have not been announced. Consequently, the discussions do not yet confer visa-free entry into Tunisia on ordinary Ghanaian passport holders. The two countries have also agreed to reactivate their Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), a bilateral framework intended to provide a structured platform for regular consultations and the expansion of diplomatic, economic, and institutional relations.

Ghana and Tunisia have identified education, tourism, sports, agribusiness, commercial activities, and maritime cooperation as priority sectors for renewed collaboration. The proposed partnership is expected to create opportunities for closer engagement between institutions and businesses in both countries, while providing a framework for exploring mutually beneficial investment and development initiatives.

Accra and Tunis are considering establishing permanent diplomatic missions in their respective capitals at the earliest practicable opportunity. Both governments are receptive to the proposal, which is expected to strengthen diplomatic representation, improve bilateral communication, and facilitate the implementation of cooperation agreements. Mr. Ablakwa expressed appreciation to Mr. Nafti for his engagement and extended an invitation for continued diplomatic interaction.

The latest developments form part of Ghana's wider diplomatic engagement strategy, which seeks to expand international partnerships, improve access for Ghanaian travelers, and deepen economic cooperation with countries across different regions. The government expects to sign more Visa Waiver Agreements before the end of 2027.

Key points

• Ghana aims to conclude additional visa waiver agreements with countries worldwide by 2027.
• Tunisia and Slovakia have expressed interest in establishing visa waiver arrangements with Ghana.
• The proposed partnership between Ghana and Tunisia is expected to create opportunities for closer engagement between institutions and businesses in both countries.