President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s electronic visa (e-Visa) system on Africa Day, describing it as a major step towards modernising the country’s immigration and border management systems while promoting African integration
President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, May 25, officially launched Ghana’s electronic visa (e-Visa) system, describing it as a major milestone in the country’s journey towards building a modern, efficient and globally connected state.
Speaking at the launch ceremony held on Africa Day at Kempinski in Accra, President Mahama said the initiative reflects Ghana’s determination to leverage technology to improve governance, facilitate legitimate travel, deepen continental integration and strengthen national security.
He noted that for years, travellers seeking entry into Ghana had to deal with cumbersome and largely manual visa procedures that created delays and unnecessary frustrations for tourists, investors, business executives, students, researchers and members of the African diaspora.
According to him, the new e-Visa system will allow travellers from across the world to apply for visas online, upload supporting documents electronically, make secure digital payments and receive travel authorisation through email or mobile phones.
“This initiative is not merely about convenience, it is equally about efficiency, transparency, accountability and security,” President Mahama stated.
He explained that the platform is fully integrated into Ghana’s Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems and linked to international crime and watchlist databases to ensure comprehensive background checks before visas are issued.
President Mahama stressed that Ghana’s openness to visitors would not come at the expense of national security.
“While Ghana will continue to warmly welcome citizens from across the world, every entry into the Republic will remain subject to stringent security screening and established immigration protocols,” he said.
As part of measures to promote African integration, President Mahama announced that effective immediately, all holders of African passports travelling to Ghana for business or tourism will apply for visas exclusively through the new online e-Visa platform without paying visa fees.
“For emphasis, all African passport holders will not be required to pay visa fees when they apply online,” he declared.
He added that the previous visa-on-arrival arrangement for African passport holders has been discontinued and replaced with the new electronic visa regime, which he described as more secure and efficient.
Countries that already have visa waiver agreements with Ghana, however, will continue to enjoy visa-free entry into the country.
President Mahama said the launch of the e-Visa platform forms part of Ghana’s commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the vision of free movement of people, goods and services across the continent.
He urged African countries yet to ratify the AU Free Movement Protocol to do so, insisting that African integration requires practical action and political courage.
“While some countries are expelling fellow Africans, Ghana welcomes them and proudly affirms that this is your home,” he said.
The President further disclosed that government will begin work on automating the processing and issuance of work permits and residence permits to reduce bureaucracy, improve efficiency and boost foreign direct investment.
He also announced that new 3D scanners are being installed at Terminals 2 and 3 of the Accra International Airport to improve passenger experience.
According to him, the new systems will eliminate the need for travellers to remove laptops, liquids, shoes and belts during security checks.
President Mahama commended the Ghanaian technical team behind the e-Visa platform, revealing that the system was developed entirely by local experts.
During the ceremony, the President, together with the Ministers for Foreign Affairs and Interior, approved the first visa application under the new system for a Serbian traveller, Petar Zivanovic, before officially declaring the e-Visa system operational.
Source: Mubarak Yakubu
