Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has introduced a transformative shift in the nation's visa application procedure. Effective immediately, all visa requests submitted to Ghanaian diplomatic missions worldwide will now be processed within five working days. This marks a significant improvement from the earlier average processing period of four to six weeks, aimed at boosting tourism and investment.
This new visa policy, part of a broader initiative under President John Dramani Mahama’s administration, aims to enhance Ghana’s status as a top destination for both tourism and foreign investment. The change is aligned with the President’s vision, expressed during his inaugural address on January 7, 2025, in which he declared that “Ghana is open for business.”
In a statement posted on Facebook on May 21, 2025, Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa highlighted that the government has already put in place strong and reliable systems across all of Ghana’s diplomatic missions around the world. These systems are designed to support the smooth and effective rollout of the new five-day visa processing policy.
According to him, this reform is not just a procedural adjustment, but a strategic move to eliminate unnecessary delays, improve service delivery, and project Ghana as a competitive and investor-friendly nation.
He noted that by reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks and improving efficiency in consular services, Ghana is sending a clear message to the international community: the country is serious about attracting foreign partnerships and tourism. “As Foreign Minister, I am committed to making Ghana more accessible, competitive, and appealing to investors and travelers alike,” he added.
However, Ablakwa was quick to clarify that the shorter processing window does not guarantee automatic visa approval. Each application will still undergo thorough assessment, with decisions—either approval or denial—made within the stipulated five working days.
The announcement concluded with a renewed call to explore Ghana’s vibrant culture and economic potential, as the Minister declared, “Ghana is truly open for business—come enjoy the Black Star experience.”
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