Mahama orders swift rollout of E-Visa platform

President John Dramani Mahama has issued a directive to the Ministries of Interior, Transport, and Foreign Affairs to work jointly in launching a comprehensive electronic visa (e-visa) system for Ghana.

The announcement came during the commissioning of two major digital infrastructure projects—the upgraded Air Navigation Services (ANS) system and the Multi-Agency Command Centre, which will manage Advance Passenger Information (API) and Passenger Name Record (PNR) data.

According to the President, the API and PNR platforms are expected to serve as the foundation for the much-anticipated e-visa regime, which he says is long overdue.

“I’m directing the Hon. Ministers for Interior, Transport, and Foreign Affairs to collaborate to ensure that this platform is expanded to enable us to implement this long-awaited e-service for the country,” President Mahama said. “I’m also charging them to extend the system to sea and land border posts, integrate it with our e-gate systems, and adopt it for cargo data management and customs efficiency.”

He further instructed the respective ministries to ensure the system extends beyond airports to include sea and land entry points. The integration, he said, must also align with Ghana’s e-gate technology and help enhance cargo tracking and customs management.

“These steps are necessary if we’re to take full advantage of today’s digital landscape,” President Mahama stated. “We must build a modern travel environment that is efficient, secure, and competitive.”

He stressed that the introduction of the e-visa system would make the visa process more efficient, reduce red tape, and attract more visitors—both tourists and investors—to Ghana.

“The digital future of global travel is here, and Ghana must not be left behind,” he added.