Ghana has launched a national electronic visa (e-visa) platform as part of efforts to modernise border management, improve travel efficiency, and deepen regional integration across Africa.
The digital system was unveiled by John Dramani Mahama on 25 May 2026 during African Union Day celebrations. It replaces traditional paper-based visa applications with a fully digital process designed to enhance efficiency, transparency and security in immigration services.
Alongside the launch, President Mahama announced that holders of African passports travelling to Ghana will no longer be required to pay visa fees.
The government said the move aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which promotes free movement, continental integration and stronger economic cooperation among African states. It is also expected to support growth in intra-African tourism, trade, investment and business mobility as countries across the continent continue to ease travel restrictions.
The new e-visa platform allows applicants to complete the entire visa process online, removing the need for lengthy manual procedures. Officials say the system will speed up processing times while strengthening border security through improved data coordination and digital verification tools.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa described the initiative as a strategic step to position Ghana as a more accessible destination for tourism, investment and international business, while maintaining global security standards.
Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak also noted that efficient immigration systems are increasingly becoming a competitive advantage for countries seeking to attract global partnerships and economic opportunities.
The initiative further strengthens Ghana’s role as a key hub for pan-African trade and diplomacy. As host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat in Accra, Ghana has continued to champion policies aimed at improving connectivity and reducing barriers to movement across the continent.
Government officials said the platform will eventually be integrated into broader passenger information and border management systems to improve travel coordination and visitor experience.
The launch event was attended by diplomats, aviation stakeholders, tourism operators, security agencies and government officials, underscoring the growing importance of digital infrastructure in Africa’s mobility and economic integration agenda.
It also highlighted strengthening ties between Africa and the Caribbean, with Kamina Johnson Smith commending Ghana’s leadership in advancing Pan-Africanism and deepening Afro-Caribbean relations.
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