The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has provided clarification on Ghana’s newly announced free visa policy for African travellers, outlining key conditions and security measures tied to the initiative.

According to an update on the minister's Facebook page, while Africans will not be required to pay visa fees, they will still undergo a visa application and screening process. He stressed that the waiver of fees does not mean automatic entry into Ghana, noting that all applicants will be subject to vetting.

He explained that the policy forms part of a broader e-visa system to be introduced next month, under which all travellers, including Africans, will apply through an online platform. The free visa arrangement for Africans will be implemented within this e-visa framework.

The minister added that the new system will be integrated with Ghana’s API-PNR system and other international crime databases to enable consular officers to conduct background checks and ensure national security is not compromised. Applicants with criminal or unsatisfactory records will not be admitted.

He further indicated that investments have been made by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Transport to establish a robust and technologically advanced system to support the rollout.

Providing context, the minister noted that a similar free visa policy announced in 2024 under former President Nana Akufo-Addo could not be implemented at the time due to the absence of the necessary systems and safeguards.

He confirmed that Ghana is now ready to launch both the e-visa platform for global applicants and the free visa policy for Africans, with implementation set for May 25, 2026, to coincide with Africa Day, as announced by President John Dramani Mahama.