Ghana and Russia have signed a Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, marking the first such agreement between the two countries since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1958.
The agreement is expected to facilitate official travel for eligible Ghanaian and Russian officials while strengthening diplomatic engagements and cooperation between the two countries.
The agreement was signed during a three-day official visit to Russia by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, at the invitation of his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.
Mr Ablakwa announced the development in a Facebook post on Monday, August 17, 2026, describing the agreement as historic.
“On my first day of this important official visit, we signed a historic Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports,” he said.
According to the Minister, Ghana and Russia will continue negotiations on expanding visa privileges to cover other categories of travellers as both countries seek to deepen trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
“This is the first Visa Waiver Agreement since our two nations established formal bilateral relations in 1958,” Mr Ablakwa said.
The agreement forms part of broader efforts to strengthen bilateral relations between Ghana and Russia, with Mr Ablakwa’s visit expected to identify additional areas of strategic cooperation.
During bilateral discussions, Mr Ablakwa also expressed Ghana’s appreciation to Russia for supporting and voting in favour of a Ghana-led United Nations resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement and racialised chattel slavery the gravest crime against humanity.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said the visit would provide an opportunity for the two countries to map out broader areas of strategic cooperation and strengthen relations in areas of mutual interest.
Stop using media to challenge judicial decisions – Thaddeus Sory to…
Hostel owners challenge legality of Rent Control campaign over high fees
