Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana and Zambia have reached an agreement to allow visa-free travel between the two countries.

Speaking in a video sighted by this reporter, Mr. Ablakwa described the agreement as historic, noting that it is the first time such an arrangement has been reached between Ghana and Zambia.

“For the first time in the history of Ghana–Zambia relations, we are going to have visa-free travel between our two countries. You no longer have to stress about visas. We are introducing a Visa Waiver Agreement,” he said.

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the agreement was a key directive from President John Dramani Mahama ahead of the visit. He revealed that the President made it clear that the deal must be concluded.

“He told me, ‘Foreign Minister, if you don’t make this happen, don’t join me on this visit,’” Mr. Ablakwa recounted.

He explained that while he was in Latvia, Ghana’s Chief Director was chairing a technical committee meeting to address concerns raised by the Zambian side. Zambia currently operates with two categories of passports, diplomatic and ordinary, while Ghana has three, including a service passport. This difference initially created alignment challenges during negotiations.

“Despite the concerns, we made it clear that there was a presidential directive,” he said. “If Zambia wanted our President to be present and his wishes respected, then we had to ensure this agreement was reached.”

Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that at about 11:30 p.m. the previous night, Zambian officials contacted their President, who agreed to the arrangement, describing it as the wish of “my brother.”

As a result, the Visa Waiver Agreement was approved, bringing the total number of visa-free travel agreements signed by Ghana to 15 since President Mahama was sworn into office.

Writer: Frederick Nortey 

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