Ghana Strengthens Global Standing: New Visa Waivers, Spanish Residency Reform, and Diplomatic Interventions

22nd April•3 min read•22 sources

The Government of Ghana is significantly expanding its international influence and protecting its citizens abroad through a series of strategic diplomatic maneuvers. Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa recently announced Cabinet approval for three new reciprocal visa waiver agreements with Antigua and Barbuda, the Maldives, and Zambia. These agreements, which will soon be presented to Parliament for ratification, allow Ghanaian passport holders to travel to these nations for up to 30 days without a visa. This move is part of a broader mission to enhance the global standing of the Ghanaian passport, facilitate tourism, and strengthen cultural and economic ties.

Simultaneously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is addressing critical migration and safety issues in Europe and South Africa. In Spain, thousands of undocumented Ghanaians are set to benefit from a landmark immigration policy announced by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez. The reform allows individuals who resided in the country for at least five months before December 31, 2025, to apply for legal residency and work permits, effectively reducing labor exploitation. Meanwhile, in South Africa, Minister Ablakwa has engaged his counterpart, Ronald Lamola, following "disturbing" reports and viral videos of xenophobic hostility toward Ghanaians. While no fatalities have been reported, the South African government has committed to a full investigation, and Ghana's High Commission is actively providing consular support to those affected.

Bilateral cooperation is also being intensified through high-level engagements with France, Germany, and Sierra Leone. French Ambassador Diarra Dimé-Labille has signaled a shift from traditional aid toward economic partnerships, highlighting an increase in Ghanaian students choosing France for higher education. In the north, German Ambassador Frederik Landshoeft completed a four-day working visit to Bolgatanga and Tamale, focusing on border security and community resilience against terrorism and climate change. Furthermore, Ghana and Sierra Leone have convened a technical session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) to advance mutual goals in trade, health, and defense.

On the domestic and administrative front, senior leadership is investing in governance and public service delivery. Chief of Staff Julius Debrah is currently participating in the Harvard Ministerial Leadership Programme in the United States, a fully sponsored initiative aimed at improving accountability and cross-government coordination, with an expected return in late April 2026. Additionally, the National Service Authority has officially released postings for 18,416 trained teachers for the 2026/27 service year. As the 2026 Hajj season approaches, the Ghana Embassy in Saudi Arabia has issued a stern advisory to pilgrims, urging them to adhere strictly to local laws and avoid drug-related or financial crimes to protect the nation's reputation during the pilgrimage.

This story touches markets covered on Anansi Intelligence ↗.

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Ghana Strengthens Global Standing: New Visa Waivers, Spanish Residency Reform, and Diplomatic Interventions

More from politics

Global Governance in Flux: From Military Accountability to Groundbreaking Shifts in Political Representation

Keta MP Demands Urgent Flood Relief While National Leaders Drive Infrastructure, Agricultural, and Social Reforms

President Mahama Champions National Resilience and Welfare Reforms for Senior Citizens

Ghanaian Leaders and Legal Experts Propose Sweeping Institutional Reforms to Strengthen Democracy and Public Accountability