TOUGHA welcomes Ghana’s new e-visa system

The Tour Operators Union of Ghana (TOUGHA) has welcomed the government’s launch of a new electronic visa (e-visa) platform, describing it as a step that could improve travel facilitation and strengthen the country’s tourism competitiveness.

The initiative, introduced under the government led by John Dramani Mahama, is aimed at digitising visa applications to reduce processing delays and simplify entry procedures for visitors.

According to TOUGHA in a statement issued on May 25, 2026, “the shift to a fully digital system is expected to make it easier for tourists, business travellers, conference delegates and members of the African diaspora to plan visits to Ghana by removing some of the administrative challenges associated with traditional visa processes.”

IMF to release final $318m tranche to Ghana immediately after Board approval in July

The association noted that visa procedures have at times been a deterrent to travel and said the new platform could help shorten waiting times and improve the overall entry experience for visitors.

TOUGHA also highlighted the government’s decision to waive visa fees for African passport holders, describing it as a policy that supports intra-African mobility and aligns with broader goals of regional integration and cultural exchange.

The union added that it was encouraged by what it described as consultations between the government and private sector stakeholders during the development of the system.

Ghana scraps visa-on-arrival system as new e-visa portal goes live

It acknowledged the contributions of some industry representatives, including Kwaku Passah Sr, Fuseini Nawaru and Michael Orleans, who participated in the consultative process.

According to TOUGHA President Yvonne Donkor, the e-visa system could contribute to increased visitor arrivals, improved destination confidence and enhanced competitiveness for Ghana in the global tourism market.

The group said it remains open to continued collaboration with the government and industry stakeholders to support tourism development, including leisure, cultural, business and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) travel.

The e-visa rollout forms part of broader efforts to modernise entry systems and improve travel facilitation in Ghana.



AM/BAI