By Bob Patrick Oweka

ACCRA, Ghana— Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has announced the discontinuation of the country's visa-on-arrival policy for African passport holders, replacing it with a new electronic visa (e-visa) regime designed to enhance security, efficiency, and digital border management.

Speaking during the launch of Ghana’s new e-visa platform on May 25, President Mahama said the digital system would streamline travel procedures while ensuring thorough screening of travelers before arrival. The move marks a significant shift in Ghana’s immigration policy, which previously allowed eligible African travelers to obtain visas upon arrival at entry points.

 “The previous visa-on-arrival arrangement for African passports, which I initiated during my previous term as president, is hereby discontinued and replaced by this more secure and efficient electronic visa regime,” Mahama stated.

Despite the policy change, the Ghanaian government emphasized that African travelers will continue to benefit from easier access to the country. Under the new framework, citizens of African nations applying through the e-visa platform will no longer be required to pay visa fees, a move aimed at promoting continental integration, tourism, trade, and investment.

The President clarified that countries with existing visa-waiver agreements with Ghana will remain exempt from visa requirements, allowing their citizens to continue entering the country freely. Similar arrangements will also remain in place for Caribbean and other nations that already enjoy visa-free access to Ghana.

According to Ghanaian authorities, applicants using the new e-visa platform will still undergo comprehensive background checks and security vetting. The system is integrated with advanced immigration and international security databases to help identify potential risks before travelers arrive in the country.

The announcement comes just weeks after Mahama revealed plans for a continent-wide free e-visa policy for African nationals as part of Ghana’s broader Pan-African agenda. The initiative seeks to remove financial barriers to travel while maintaining robust security measures at the country's borders.

Mahama also disclosed a longer-term vision of extending visa-fee-free travel privileges to people of African descent worldwide, enabling stronger cultural and historical connections with Ghana and the African continent.

What This Means for African Travelers Under the new policy:

• African travelers will apply for entry visas online through Ghana’s e-visa platform.
• Visa fees for African passport holders have been removed.
• Security screening and background checks remain mandatory.
• Citizens of countries with existing visa-waiver agreements with Ghana will continue to travel visa-free.
• The visa-on-arrival system for African passport holders is no longer in effect.

The transition to a fully digital visa system positions Ghana among African nations embracing technology-driven border management while advancing the goals of regional integration and the free movement of people across the continent.

Bob Patrick Oweka is news editor at Zoomer Africa, your number one grassroot information hub for African stories trends and updates