Els: MBN360 News
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana is set to secure additional visa waiver agreements in the coming months as part of efforts to elevate the global standing of the Ghanaian passport.
Addressing journalists after holding bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, today, February 12, 2026, the Minister described visa waiver deals as a top priority, hinting at imminent announcements beginning in March and continuing through April and May.
“You know that visa waiver agreements remain my priority as Foreign Minister. I expect more visa waiver agreements this year. Even within the month of March, you’ll be hearing some good news,” he stated.
The Minister expressed confidence that Ghana is on course to making its passport one of the most valued in Africa and globally. He commended Ghana’s diplomatic corps for what he described as “heavy lifting” in ongoing negotiations with partner countries.
Read also:
- Minority urges President Mahama to remove COCOBOD CEO over cocoa price reduction
- Farmers to earn GH¢2,587 per bag as government resets cocoa pricing formula
- Fugu surge sparks international demand as Ghana plans Trade Fairs – Minister Ablakwa
- President Mahama Heads to Ethiopia for 39th AU Assembly
- Ramaphosa To Deploy Army To Combat Gang Violence
Beyond expanded travel access, Mr. Ablakwa highlighted major upgrades to the Ghanaian passport, noting that it is now fully chip-embedded with advanced security features. According to him, analysts rank it among the most secure passports globally.
“It’s now probably the most secure in terms of the security features we have. It’s fully chip-embedded, and we are ahead of so many countries,” the Minister said.
He gave the assurance that the government has also strengthened measures to prevent fraudulent acquisition of Ghanaian passports, revealing that artificial intelligence tools and modern technology have been deployed to outpace criminal networks.
The Minister further underscored the government’s commitment to affordability, recalling the recent 30 percent reduction in passport fees. He emphasized that passports should not be treated as a luxury item.
“For Ghanaians to have passports, it is a right. Passports should not be a luxury. It’s our national pride. It’s our national identity,” he stressed.
