President Mahama Launches Ghana’s e-Visa Portal, Announces Visa Fee Waivers for Africans

Edited by: Solomon Kwabena Nana-Ansah – Paaps – 

President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s electronic visa (e-Visa) portal, a major digital reform aimed at simplifying visa applications, improving travel facilitation, and modernising the country’s immigration system.

The new platform is expected to make visa processing faster, more efficient, and more accessible to travellers, while maintaining strict security checks and due diligence procedures in line with Ghana’s national security requirements.

Speaking at the launch, President Mahama also announced visa fee waivers for all African passport holders travelling to Ghana for business or tourism, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to African integration, free movement, and continental openness.

The President further disclosed that government is upgrading security and passenger processing systems at Ghana’s international airports. According to him, new 3D scanning technology is being installed at Terminals 2 and 3, which will eliminate the need for passengers to remove laptops and liquids from their hand luggage during screening.

He added that from August, additional modern screening equipment will also remove the inconvenience of taking off shoes and belts at security checkpoints, as part of broader efforts to improve passenger experience and airport efficiency.

President Mahama stressed that despite efforts to ease travel and improve convenience, Ghana’s national security remains uncompromised. He noted that at a time when many countries are adopting more restrictive travel policies, Ghana is positioning itself as a welcoming destination for Africans and a hub for continental mobility.

He further stated that outdated systems can no longer define Ghana’s engagement with the world, emphasizing that the reforms form part of a broader agenda to leverage technology to improve governance, strengthen border management, deepen African integration, and enhance national security.

The initiative has received support from key state institutions including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, Ministry of Health, and Ghana Investment Promotion Centre.