Ghana’s Parliament has officially ratified visa waiver agreements with four nations—Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica. These agreements apply to holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports, promoting seamless travel and enhanced cooperation.
Presenting the report on the floor of Parliament, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, emphasized that the initiative is designed to strengthen multilateral relations and cooperation across critical sectors.
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These sectors include education, energy, trade, tourism, and agriculture—each expected to benefit from increased mobility, knowledge-sharing, and bilateral engagement.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, reassured Parliament that the agreements would not lead to any direct loss of revenue. He clarified that although visa fees would be waived, the resulting economic and diplomatic benefits far outweigh the potential fiscal trade-off.
According to Ablakwa, the move is anticipated to boost tourism and trade while reinforcing Ghana’s global partnerships. Over time, these diplomatic relationships are expected to yield long-term socio-economic development for both Ghana and its partner countries.
source: myjoyonline
