Ghana to open new embassy in Mexico amid World Cup visa talks

Ghana will soon establish a new embassy in Mexico as part of preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.

Mr Ablakwa disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has granted executive approval for the embassy’s opening, a move he says will strengthen diplomatic ties and support Ghanaian football fans traveling for the tournament.

“Our engagements with hosts of the 2026 FIFA World Cup continued yesterday with an impressive meeting with the Mexican Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Norma Ang Sánchez,” the minister said Saturday in a post on X. “We are optimistic these engagements will guarantee the best deal for Ghanaian football fans.”

The minister met Ambassador Sánchez on Friday to discuss travel facilitation and bilateral cooperation ahead of the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

During the meeting, Ambassador Sánchez reportedly assured that Mexico is unlikely to alter its current visa policy.

Mexico is not likely to change its policy, which allows those with US, Canadian, UK, and Schengen visas to be admitted into Mexico without requiring a Mexican visa, the ambassador reportedly told the minister.

Mr Ablakwa explained that the new embassy will not only support Ghana’s World Cup-related logistics but also serve as a long-term platform for strengthening economic and diplomatic relations.

“A new Ghanaian embassy in Mexico will not only enhance Ghana’s diplomatic and consular preparations ahead of the tournament but will more importantly ensure a permanent physical diplomatic presence to facilitate our growing bilateral trade and strategic partnership,” he noted.

He added that the decision “aligns with the principle of reciprocity, considering that Mexico reopened its embassy in Ghana in 2014.”

The establishment of the embassy is expected to make consular services more accessible to Ghanaians in Latin America and improve coordination between the two nations in areas such as trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Earlier in the week, Mr. Ablakwa convened meetings with officials of the US Embassy and Canadian High Commission to commence discussions on visa arrangements for Ghanaian football fans following the qualification of the Black Stars to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The objectives of the engagements, the minister explained, were to ensure there is mutual understanding of all sides on expectations and requirements asthe  government improves visa facilitation.