Africa-Press – Ghana. Ghana’s passport has gained greater international recognition and value following the expansion of its visa-free and visa-waiver arrangements to 42 countries worldwide, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced.
The Minister, addressing journalists in Accra, said the Government had concluded a series of bilateral negotiations and secured Cabinet and Parliamentary approvals that had added several new destinations to the list of countries accessible to Ghanaian passport holders without the need for a visa.
“We have secured new visa waiver agreements and important negotiations to enhance the value of the Ghanaian passport. Today, Ghanaian citizens can travel to 42 countries visa-free,” Mr. Ablakwa revealed.
The newly added destinations include Serbia, Mozambique, Colombia, Antigua and Bermuda, Morocco, Algeria, South Turkey and Turkestan, the Commonwealth of Dominica, Angola, Trinidad and Tobago, among others.
He explained that the expanded visa-free access varies depending on the type of passport held, with some countries granting access to holders of all categories of Ghanaian passports, while others are limited to diplomatic or service passports.
“Whether for tourism, business, or diplomacy, this expansion enhances the Ghanaian passport’s value and prestige within the international community,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa described the development as a direct outcome of Ghana’s strengthened diplomatic relations, active foreign policy, and commitment to international cooperation under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama.
“This is the fruit of strategic diplomacy, the result of Ghana’s reputation for peace, responsible governance, and constructive engagement on the world stage. Our citizens are now reaping the benefits,” he stated.
He added that the enhanced travel privileges also improve Ghana’s competitiveness in international trade, education, and cultural exchange, opening doors for more Ghanaians to explore opportunities abroad without cumbersome visa restrictions.
The Minister, however, cautioned that the increased value of the Ghanaian passport has also made it a target for misuse by foreign nationals, prompting the Ministry to intensify its passport security protocols.
“With this positive development comes pressure. We are aware that some foreigners, especially in neighbouring regions, are attempting to lay hands on Ghanaian passports to benefit from the privileges attached,” he said.
He assured the international community that the Ministry had reinforced safeguards to prevent such abuse.
The introduction of the chip-embedded passports, he said, has strengthened Ghana’s border security and identity verification systems, making forgery and impersonation almost impossible.
“We want to assure our partners that Ghana’s passport remains among the most secure and respected on the continent. The chip technology ensures that biometric information cannot be duplicated or falsified,” Mr. Ablakwa affirmed.
He referenced Ghana’s earlier experience under the United States visa restrictions during the Trump administration, where the country was included among nations flagged for high visa overstay rates.
Ghana, he noted, has since successfully negotiated its way out of that restriction, becoming the only nation among the 36 affected countries to do so.
“That achievement reflects Ghana’s credibility and responsible approach to migration management,” the Minister said and that “It is one reason why more countries are confident to enter visa waiver agreements with us.”
Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that the government’s broader goal is to make the Ghanaian passport a powerful global mobility document that opens opportunities for business people, students, professionals, and ordinary citizens alike.
He stated that the Ministry was continuing discussions with additional countries to further expand the list, particularly within Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
“We are negotiating more visa-free arrangements as part of our foreign policy of Pan-African solidarity and South–South cooperation. Our ambition is to make travel easier for every Ghanaian, not just diplomats,” he said.
The Minister also linked the improved global standing of the Ghanaian passport to the ongoing domestic passport administration reforms, which include the introduction of chip-embedded passports, the establishment of new regional passport application centres, and the elimination of middlemen.
“We are not only increasing the passport’s international value but also making it easier, faster, and more affordable to obtain here at home,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa reaffirmed that the Ministry would continue working with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other global partners to maintain the integrity and interoperability of Ghana’s passport systems.
He described the Ghanaian passport as “a symbol of national identity and global respect,” urging citizens to protect it with the same pride and responsibility with which it is being elevated.
“When you travel with the Ghanaian passport today, you carry not just a document, but a reflection of Ghana’s integrity and progress. Let us continue to keep it respected in the community of nations,” he said.
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