Princess Avenyoh
Ghana’s Parliament has approved visa waiver agreements with four countries, Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia and the Commonwealth of Dominica.
The agreements allow holders of diplomatic, service and ordinary passports to travel between Ghana and these countries without requiring a visa.
Presenting the report to the House, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije said the move aims to strengthen partnerships in sectors such as education, trade, tourism, energy and agriculture.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, assured lawmakers that the waivers would not result in significant revenue losses.
He noted that while visa fees would no longer be collected, the economic benefits especially through increased trade and tourism would be far greater in the long run.
The visa-free agreements are expected to boost bilateral ties and create new opportunities for economic and cultural cooperation between Ghana and the four nations.