Parliament has approved the ratification of visa waiver agreements between Ghana and four countries—Mozambique, São Tomé and Príncipe, Colombia, and the Commonwealth of Dominica.
The agreements apply to holders of diplomatic, service, and ordinary passports, enabling smoother travel and enhanced cooperation.
Presenting the report on the floor of the House, the Chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration Committee, Alfred Okoe Vanderpuije, stated that the agreements are intended to strengthen multilateral partnerships in key sectors.
These include education, energy, trade, tourism, and agriculture, all of which are expected to benefit from increased mobility and collaboration.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, assured Members of Parliament that the agreements will not result in any immediate or direct loss of revenue.
He emphasised that while visa fees may be waived, the broader economic benefits far outweigh any potential fiscal impact.
Mr Ablakwa further explained that the visa waiver initiative is expected to boost trade and tourism flows, as well as deepen bilateral cooperation with the partner nations.
Over time, these relationships are projected to deliver long-term socio-economic advantages for Ghana and its counterparts.
Source: Ernest Arhinful
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