May 27- 2026
President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s first electronic visa portal, heralding a transformative overhaul of the country’s immigration and travel framework.
The launch, held on May 25, 2026, coincided with the 63rd African Union Day and signals the replacement of cumbersome manual procedures with a secure, technology-driven system designed to enhance border security, efficiency, and transparency.
The new platform enables travellers to apply for, pay for, and receive visas electronically, eliminating the need to physically visit Ghanaian embassies or consulates. President Mahama described the initiative as more than a digital rollout, saying:
“We are gathered here not merely to launch a digital platform, but to affirm Ghana’s readiness to embrace a new era of mobility, connectivity, innovation, and economic opportunity”.
He emphasized that the reform addresses years of administrative friction that have frustrated investors, tourists, students, and the African diaspora.
In the policy shift, President Mahama announced that effective May 25, 2026, all holders of African passports travelling to Ghana for business or tourism will apply exclusively through the e-visa platform and will pay no visa fee.
“Effective today, all holders of African passports travelling to Ghana for business will apply for a visa exclusively through the new online platform, and they will pay no visa fee,” the President said.
He further declared the discontinuation of the visa-on-arrival system, stating: “The previous visa-on-arrival system is hereby discontinued and replaced with this new visa regime”.
The move aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 flagship program on the African Passport and Free Movement of People. President Mahama also articulated a broader vision: “Our long-term vision is even broader. We envisage a future, which is not too far, of a time where all people of African descent can travel to Ghana without paying any visa fee as they reconnect with their ancestry”.
He directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of the Interior to develop the modalities to advance this vision.
Security and Efficiency at the Core
Officials stressed that openness would not compromise national security. The e-visa platform is fully integrated with Ghana’s Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems and linked to international crime and watch-list databases for comprehensive pre-arrival screening.
“Let no one misunderstand Ghana’s openness and hospitality as a relaxation of our national security obligations,” President Mahama said.
Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, described the portal as transformative, noting it removes bureaucratic barriers and replaces outdated processes with speed, convenience, and confidence.
“We are telling the world that Ghana is ready for business, tourism, global partnership, and above all, Ghana is open for you,” he added.
Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the launch demonstrates Ghana’s commitment to opening its borders for business, tourism, and investment.
He noted that visa decisions are expected within 48 hours of submitting complete applications.
Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, added that integrating the portal with passenger information systems would significantly improve border control, passenger screening, and the overall travel experience.
The ceremony was attended by Ministers of State, members of the Diplomatic Corps, security agencies, aviation stakeholders, and tourism partners.
Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, commended Ghana for advancing African unity and strengthening Africa-Caribbean ties. She lauded Ghana’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and innovation, recalling the historic bonds between Ghana and Jamaica.
President Mahama positioned the reform within Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda, stating that the initiative reflects a commitment to innovation, connectivity, good governance, and efficient public service.
The e-visa rollout is expected to bolster trade, tourism, and investment while cementing Ghana’s reputation as a modern, welcoming, and technology-driven destination.