President Mahama Calls for Acceleration of E-Visa Services to Boost Tourism and Business
President John Dramani Mahama has urged key government ministries to expedite the implementation of Ghana’s electronic visa (e-visa) system, emphasizing its significance in transforming the country’s travel and tourism landscape.
Speaking at the commissioning of the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) Operations Centre in Accra, President Mahama highlighted the e-visa initiative as a pivotal step in simplifying travel processes, enhancing border security, and positioning Ghana as a prime destination for investors and tourists.
“The e-visa initiative is not just about convenience,” the President stated. “It is about positioning Ghana as a gateway to West Africa, encouraging innovation in border security, and supporting the growth of tourism and business sectors.”
The API/PNR Operations Centre is a modern facility designed to streamline passenger data collection, improve border control measures, and enhance operational efficiency at Ghana’s entry points. It is expected to play a crucial role in advancing digital transformation across the aviation and immigration sectors.
President Mahama charged the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Interior, and Transport to work in concert to fast-track the rollout of the e-visa platform. He underscored the need for urgency, stressing that a fully operational e-visa system is critical to Ghana’s broader economic and development objectives.
Transport Minister, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, also addressed the gathering, reiterating government’s commitment to upgrading Ghana’s aviation infrastructure. He noted that embracing digital systems such as e-visas and the API/PNR framework is essential to maintaining global standards in air travel and attracting more international airlines.
“We are committed to ensuring that Ghana’s aviation infrastructure keeps pace with international standards,” Minister Nikpe said. “The e-visa and API/PNR initiatives are both vital in strengthening our national security and improving passenger experience.”
The move towards e-visa services has been widely welcomed by industry stakeholders, who believe it will significantly boost Ghana’s appeal as a travel and commerce hub within the West African sub-region. With the tourism sector poised for recovery in the post-pandemic era, the introduction of e-visas is seen as a timely and strategic intervention.
