President John Dramani Mahama has announced the scrapping of Ghana’s visa-on-arrival policy for holders of African passports, with a new electronic visa system set to replace the arrangement.

Speaking at the launch of the country’s e-visa platform on Monday, May 25, the President said the new digital system is intended to improve travel processing while strengthening border security and immigration controls.

According to him, the e-visa regime will simplify entry procedures for travellers while ensuring that all applicants undergo the necessary screening and verification processes before entering Ghana.

President Mahama clarified that nationals from African countries that already have visa waiver agreements with Ghana will continue to enjoy visa-free access without the need to apply for visas.

He added that the same exemption will remain in place for Caribbean nations and other countries with existing bilateral visa waiver arrangements with Ghana.

The President further disclosed plans to expand Ghana’s visa policy in the future to allow people of African descent across the world to travel to Ghana without paying visa fees.

He said he has directed the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the Ministry of the Interior to begin developing the framework needed to implement the initiative.

President Mahama noted that the e-visa project forms part of broader efforts to build a modern, technology-driven and citizen-focused public service system.

He added that Ghana’s latest visa reforms align with the country’s Pan-African vision and place Ghana among African nations such as Rwanda, Kenya, Benin and Seychelles that have adopted progressive visa policies aimed at promoting regional integration and easier movement across the continent.