In a historic move to deepen ties and promote seamless mobility, the governments of Ghana and Zambia have signed a landmark visa waiver agreement, allowing citizens of both countries to travel freely without the need for visas.
The announcement came during President John Dramani Mahama’s recent three-day state visit to Zambia, where he was welcomed by President Hakainde Hichilema at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport on February 4.
The development was disclosed to the press by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who described the visa waiver as one of the most significant outcomes of the high-level visit.
Mr. Ablakwa emphasized that the new policy is poised to enhance trade, tourism, investment, and cultural exchange between the two nations, removing long-standing bureaucratic barriers for travelers, including students, businesspeople, professionals, and tourists.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the visa-free arrangement was a key directive personally issued by President Mahama as a top priority for the visit.
“We are prioritising your smooth mobility, and one of the major outcomes of this state visit is that, for the first time in the history of Ghana-Zambia relations, we are going to have a free visa between our two countries, so you no longer have to stress about visas,” Mr. Ablakwa said. He added that the President had made it clear that the agreement was a non-negotiable condition for the diplomatic trip.
The visa waiver agreement signals a new era of cooperation, expected to foster closer diplomatic, economic, and people-to-people relations between Ghana and Zambia. As both countries look to the future, the removal of travel restrictions is set to unlock new opportunities and strengthen the bonds between their citizens.
Source: Apexnewsgh.com