The President of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama, has officially launched Ghana's First e-Visa portal as part of efforts to enhance public service delivery, strengthen border management systems, and position Ghana as a preferred destination for tourism, business, and investment.

Speaking at the launch, the President noted that the introduction of the e-Visa system will simplify visa acquisition procedures, reduce delays associated with traditional application processes, and improve convenience for travellers seeking to visit Ghana for tourism, investment, and business purposes. He added that the e-Visa Portal is a transformative initiative that demonstrates the government’s commitment to digitalisation and efficient governance.

“This platform is a major step towards modernising public service delivery and making Ghana more accessible to the world,” President Mahama stated.

According to the President, digital transformation remains central to the government’s agenda of improving institutional efficiency and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness. He added that leveraging technology in governance will help improve transparency, accountability, and service delivery across public institutions.

“We are building systems that place convenience, speed, and accountability at the Center of governance,” the President added.

President Mahama further pointed out the importance of creating a seamless travel experience for international visitors, stressing that efficient systems are critical in attracting investors and promoting economic growth. He commended all institutions and agencies that contributed to the successful implementation of the e-Visa Portal and encouraged them to ensure professionalism and reliability in the operation of the platform.

The Minister for Transport, Hon. Joseph Bukari Nikpe, in his remarks, noted that the launch of the portal is part of broader efforts to modernise Ghana’s transport and travel ecosystem through innovation and technology-driven solutions.

“The e-Visa Portal is expected to significantly improve the travel experience while supporting national development through innovation and efficiency,” the Minister noted.

He indicated that the Ministry of Transport remains committed to supporting initiatives that improve connectivity, facilitate movement, and strengthen Ghana’s image as an accessible and investment-friendly country.

The Minister further underscored the importance of collaboration among relevant institutions in ensuring the successful implementation and sustainability of the platform, adding that digital systems continue to play a critical role in improving operational coordination and service delivery within the transport sector.

The e-Visa Portal is expected to provide travellers with a more convenient and efficient application process by enabling online visa applications and reducing processing time. The government believes the initiative will contribute significantly to improving Ghana’s competitiveness within the global travel and tourism industry while enhancing the overall experience of visitors entering the country. The applicant is expected to first apply online and upload all required documents, including their Vaccination Card, popularly called ‘Yellow Card.’ All Africans would pay nothing, when applying for the e-visa, whilst non-Africans would be required to pay an amount of $260 via a card or Mobile Money. After uploading all documents and making payment, the applicant would receive notification within the pace of 48-hours.

The launch of the Portal forms part of ongoing national efforts to harness technology to drive development, improve public sector efficiency, and strengthen Ghana’s participation in the global digital economy. Present at the Launch were Ministers of State, the Chairman of the Council of State, the Greater Regional Minister, the President of the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs, development partners, members of the diplomatic community, and other key stakeholders.

Gracing the launch as a Guest of Honour was the Foreign Affairs Minister of Jamaica, Hon Kamina Johnson Smith.