The South African Government has announced a free-entry visa for Ghanaians to promote tourism, trade and cultural exchanges between the two countries.
The South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms Grace Jeanet Mason, said this when she called on the Attorney General and Minister for Justice, Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame, last Friday in Accra to strengthen diplomatic ties and advance economic relations between South Africa and Ghana.
She expressed enthusiasm about the visa exemption, simplifying travel for ordinary passport holders and stated that the initiative would not only enhance tourism but also foster deeper connections between the two countries, ensuring collaboration and support for each other at both bilateral and multilateral levels.
The Minister for Justice and Attorney General, Mr Godfred Yeboah Dame, expressed joy over the long-standing and cordial ties between the two countries.
Welcoming the proposal, he emphasised the importance of forging stronger partnerships between the two countries and noted that it would not only boost the economies of the two countries but also promote people-to-people interactions, the bedrock for strong diplomatic relations.
Starting from November 1, 2023, Ghanaians with ‘ordinary’ passports would be able to visit South Africa for up to 90 days each year without the need for a visa.
This agreement follows South Africa’s 2018 announcement to establish visa waiver agreements with various countries, including Ghana.
Dzifa Hukporti, ISD