Ghana slashes visa processing time to 5 days
By Solomon Nartey Tetteh
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has drastically reduced visa processing time from the usual four to six weeks to just five working days, in a sweeping policy reform aimed at boosting tourism and attracting foreign investment.
The new directive takes immediate effect, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who announced the update in a Facebook post.
“On January 7th, President Mahama declared that Ghana is open for business. At the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, we are determined to give real, practical meaning to that promise,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
The Ministry has reportedly deployed additional resources to Ghana’s diplomatic missions worldwide to ensure seamless and efficient implementation of the directive.
The reform, seen as a game-changer, is designed to eliminate bureaucratic bottlenecks that have long frustrated potential travelers and investors.
“Ghana is truly open for business,” Ablakwa declared. “Come enjoy the Black Star experience.”
However, he cautioned that the shortened processing period does not guarantee approval. “A decision, approval or denial will be made within five days. This is not automatic visa approval,” he clarified.
