President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s new electronic visa platform while announcing the removal of visa fees for all African passport holders travelling to Ghana for business or tourism.
Speaking at the launch of Ghana’s E-Visa System at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City on Africa Day, the President described the initiative as a major milestone in Ghana’s efforts to build a modern, technology-driven, and globally connected state.
According to President Mahama, the launch goes beyond the introduction of a digital platform and reflects Ghana’s commitment to improving governance, facilitating legitimate travel, strengthening continental integration, and enhancing national security.
“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”.
President of the Republic of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama
Government Pushes Digital Border Reforms
President Mahama explained that government had earlier initiated reforms aimed at improving passport issuance and visa processing after years of cumbersome and largely manual procedures.
“For far too long, travellers seeking entry into Ghana have had to navigate cumbersome, largely manual procedures that have imposed delays, uncertainty, and avoidable administrative burdens”.
President of the Republic of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama
He noted that investors, tourists, business executives, students, researchers, and members of the African diaspora had often experienced frustrations inconsistent with Ghana’s development ambitions.
According to him, the launch builds on reforms introduced in August 2025 during the inauguration of the Aviation Navigation Centre and Border Security Systems of the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority at the Kotoka International Airport.
The President explained that the earlier Advanced Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record systems significantly strengthened Ghana’s border management capacity by improving access to real time passenger data and enhancing intelligence led security operations.
New E-Visa Platform
President Mahama said the new electronic visa system would allow travellers worldwide to apply online, upload supporting documents electronically, make digital payments, and receive travel authorisation through email or mobile devices.
“The Electronic Visa System, or e Visa, will allow travellers from all around the world to apply for visas online,” he stated. According to him, the initiative is not only about convenience but also transparency, accountability, efficiency, and national security.
The President disclosed that the platform has been integrated into Ghana’s passenger information architecture and linked to international crime and watch list databases to enable comprehensive security checks before visas are approved.
“Let no one misunderstand Ghana’s openness and hospitality as a relaxation of our national security obligations,” he cautioned. He stressed that all travellers entering Ghana would continue to undergo strict vetting and immigration procedures despite the country’s openness to international visitors.
Visa Fees Removed for Africans
One of the most significant announcements made during the launch was government’s decision to abolish visa fees for all African passport holders applying through the electronic platform.
President Mahama said the decision represents Ghana’s practical commitment to Pan Africanism, African unity, and continental integration.
“And so ladies and gentlemen, effective today, from this moment, all holders of African passports travelling to Ghana for business or tourism will apply for visas exclusively via the new online e visa platform, and they will pay no visa fee”.
President of the Republic of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama
He explained that the previous visa on arrival arrangement for African travellers introduced during his earlier administration had now been replaced with the more secure digital system.
The President clarified that countries with existing visa waiver agreements with Ghana would continue to enjoy unrestricted entry without the need to apply for visas.
Renewed Commitment to Pan Africanism
President Mahama linked the policy directly to the ideals of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, and broader African integration goals under the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
“Our Founding President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, reminded us that Ghana’s independence is meaningless unless it is linked to the total liberation of the African continent”.
President of the Republic of Ghana, HE John Dramani Mahama
According to him, Ghana was acting decisively despite slow progress in implementing the African Union Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons. “We are therefore not waiting indefinitely for consensus on the Free Movement Protocol before taking action,” he declared.
President Mahama argued that African countries must demonstrate greater political courage in implementing policies that encourage mobility, trade, investment, and cooperation across the continent.
He urged other African Union member states to move urgently toward adopting the Free Movement Protocol and strengthening regional integration.
Ghana Welcomes Africans
The President used the occasion to contrast Ghana’s approach with reports of hostility toward African migrants in some countries. “While some countries are expelling fellow Africans and making them feel unwelcome, Ghana proudly welcomes them and affirms that this is your home,” he said.
He added that Ghana’s long-term vision extends beyond Africans currently living on the continent to people of African descent globally.
According to him, government has directed the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior to begin preparations toward a future where all people of African descent can travel to Ghana without paying visa fees.
Ghanaian Technology Expertise Praised
President Mahama commended the Ghanaian technical teams involved in developing the platform, stating that the system had been designed entirely by local experts.
“I am proud to say that this platform has been developed by Ghanaians solely,” he declared. He praised ROC Africa Limited and collaborating agencies for contributing to what he described as Ghana’s digital transformation journey.
The event concluded with the President, alongside the Foreign Affairs and Interior Ministers, approving the first electronic visa application through a live demonstration at the launch ceremony.
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