In a bold move to deepen global diplomatic ties, Ghana’s Parliament has approved new visa-free agreements with four countries; Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica. This marks a strategic expansion of Ghana’s open-border policy, now extending beyond Africa into Latin America and the Caribbean.
Notably, the inclusion of non-African countries; Colombia and Dominica signals a shift in Ghana’s foreign policy toward fostering stronger global alliances outside the continent.
The visa-free agreements were presented before Parliament by Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee. They apply to holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports from the partner nations.
According to Vanderpuije, the policy is expected to stimulate bilateral cooperation in sectors such as education, tourism, agriculture, trade, and energy. The move reflects Ghana’s commitment to multilateral collaboration through enhanced travel mobility and shared development goals.
Also addressing the House, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, clarified that while visa fees would be waived, the economic impact would be largely positive. He emphasized that the long-term gains in tourism, investment, and trade would far outweigh any short-term revenue loss from visa charges.
“This is not just about travel. It’s about deepening bilateral cooperation and creating economic opportunities for both sides,” Ablakwa noted, positioning the policy as part of Ghana’s broader international development strategy.
Legacy of Open-Border Diplomacy
Ghana’s latest visa-free deals build on a policy direction initiated by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who, before leaving office, granted visa-free entry to all African passport holders. That historic step made Ghana the fifth African country to eliminate entry restrictions for African nationals, aligning with the African Union’s vision of free movement across the continent.
Since taking office in January 2025, President John Dramani Mahama has not only upheld this policy but taken it further by extending visa-free access to nations outside Africa. The addition of Colombia and Dominica underlines Ghana’s expanding role in South-South cooperation and its effort to bolster economic diplomacy across the Global South.
By partnering with countries from both Latin America and Africa, Ghana is positioning itself as a diplomatic bridge between regions, reinforcing its ambition to become a continental gateway and global player.
What’s Next?
Sources close to the government indicate that more visa-free agreements are on the horizon, particularly with countries that maintain strong bilateral ties or mutual trade interests with Ghana. Officials believe these partnerships may also lead to reciprocal travel privileges for Ghanaian citizens.
The growing list of visa-free partnerships strengthens Ghana’s image as a leader in Africa’s mobility agenda; championing both continental integration and international collaboration.
As it opens more doors to the world, Ghana is not only boosting tourism and trade but also enhancing its soft power and global presence.
