All Ghana Visa Applications Will Be Processed Within Five Days – Okudzeto Ablakwa

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has unveiled a major reform to Ghana’s visa application process. Effective immediately, all visa applications will be processed within five working days.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, via his official Facebook page on Tuesday, May 21, 2025.

This initiative aims to eliminate the long-standing delays that have plagued the visa process, which previously took an average of four to six weeks.

“We have implemented comprehensive measures at our diplomatic missions to significantly reduce visa processing times—from the frustrating average of four to six weeks to a new five-day target,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.

He emphasized that the new directive does not guarantee visa approval but ensures that every applicant receives a definitive response—approval or rejection—within five working days of submission.

“A decision will be made within five working days to determine an applicant’s eligibility for a Ghanaian visa,” he added.

The minister noted that this reform fulfills a key commitment made by President John Dramani Mahama in his inaugural address on January 7, 2025, where he declared that Ghana is open for business.

Mr. Ablakwa affirmed the Ministry’s dedication to turning this vision into practical action by removing unnecessary delays and improving the efficiency of consular services.

The streamlined visa process is expected to support Ghana’s broader strategy to attract foreign investment, boost tourism, and strengthen international relations.

“As Foreign Minister, my goal is to make Ghana a more appealing destination for investors and tourists by eliminating bureaucratic barriers that have discouraged many in the past,” he said.

“Ghana is truly open for business. Come and experience the Black Star magic,” Mr. Ablakwa concluded.

Ghana’s New Reset Visa Policy.

Visa applications to travel to Ghana will now be processed within a maximum of 5 working days.

This new visa policy takes immediate effect.

We have put in place adequate measures at our diplomatic missions to drastically cut down the visa…

— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) May 21, 2025

Source: Nkonkonsa.com