Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa Announces New Visa Waiver Deals to Boost Ghana Passport Strength

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, has revealed plans to sign additional visa waiver agreements in the coming months as part of efforts to improve the global mobility and prestige of the Ghana passport.

Speaking to journalists after bilateral engagements held on the sidelines of the African Union 39th Summit in Addis Ababa, he described visa waiver arrangements as a major priority and hinted that significant announcements will begin in March and continue through April and May.

He expressed optimism that Ghana is on track to possess one of the most valuable passports in Africa and beyond. According to him, the Ghanaian passport has undergone major upgrades, including fully chip-embedded technology, enhanced security features, and expanded travel access.

The Minister noted that modern systems, including artificial intelligence tools, have been deployed to curb fraud and prevent criminal networks from exploiting passport issuance processes.

On affordability, he referenced the recent 30 percent reduction in passport fees, emphasizing that passports should be accessible to citizens and not treated as luxury items. He described the passport as a symbol of national identity and pride.

Regarding multilateral diplomacy, Mr Ablakwa said discussions at the AU Summit were productive. He disclosed that Ghana’s draft United Nations resolution seeking global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity has received ministerial-level endorsement.

The resolution is expected to be tabled on March 25 by John Dramani Mahama, with Heads of State anticipated to support the initiative. The proposal has undergone extensive consultations with CARICOM, ECOSOC, CEDAW, the AU Committee of Experts, and other stakeholders to ensure broad ownership.

President Mahama, who has been designated by the African Union as champion of the initiative, has had his mandate extended for ten years, positioning Ghana to lead advocacy efforts on the issue.

Following the AU meetings, the President is expected to address the CARICOM Summit in Saint Kitts and Nevis to strengthen ties among people of African descent across Africa, the Caribbean, and the Americas.

Meanwhile, Ghana has earned praise for demonstrating diplomatic maturity after withdrawing its bid for a seat on the AU Peace and Security Council in support of a unified ECOWAS position.

Mr Ablakwa said the move reflects Ghana’s commitment to regional integration and Pan-African solidarity, consistent with the vision of Kwame Nkrumah. He expressed confidence in Ghana’s growing influence on both continental and global fronts.