Foreign Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa Clarifies Free Visa for Africans Policy – No Compromise on Security
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has provided key clarifications on the government’s upcoming Free Visa for Africans policy, emphasising that the initiative will not compromise national security.
In a detailed social media post, the Minister explained that while Africans will no longer be required to pay visa fees, they will still undergo a full application and rigorous screening process.
“Africans will not pay visa fees,” he stated, “but not paying visa fees does not mean you will not go through visa screening.”
He revealed that all applicants, including Africans, will be required to apply through a new electronic visa (e-Visa) system set to be introduced next month. The Free Visa for Africans policy will be a component of this broader e-Visa initiative.
Okudzeto Ablakwa stressed that the new system is designed to strengthen, rather than weaken, border control mechanisms.
“The novel e-Visa system shall be linked to Ghana’s newly established API-PNR system and other international crime databases which allows our consular officers to check background of applicants and provide appropriate vetting,” he explained.
He further warned that entry into Ghana will not be automatic under the new policy.
“People with criminal or deemed unsatisfactory records will not be admitted into Ghana,” he stressed. “Not paying visa fees is not the same as automatic entry into Ghana. There shall be no automatic and unvetted entries.”
The Foreign Minister disclosed that significant investments have been made by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the Interior, and Transport to ensure a robust and technologically advanced architecture is in place for the rollout.
He also addressed concerns about delays in implementing a similar policy announced in 2024 by former President Nana Akufo-Addo.
“For clarity, though former President Nana Akufo-Addo announced a Free Visa for Africans policy in 2024, that could not commence because the mechanisms and security safeguards had not yet been put in place,” he explained.
Okudzeto Ablakwa indicated that the current administration, led by President John Dramani Mahama, is now ready to fully implement the policy.
“As President Mahama indicated, Ghana is now ready to launch an e-Visa platform for all applicants across the world and a Free Visa for Africans policy from Africa Day which is May 25, 2026 fully anchored on appropriate security and technological frameworks,” he said.
The clarification aims to address public concerns while highlighting the government’s commitment to both facilitating easier travel for Africans and maintaining strict security standards at Ghana’s borders.
Source: Social media statement by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa
