Ghana has officially launched a new electronic visa platform as President John Dramani Mahama moves to modernize the country’s immigration system and position the West African nation as a more accessible destination for tourism, trade and investment.

The digital platform, unveiled in Accra on May 25 during celebrations marking African Union Day, allows travelers to apply for visas online, upload supporting documents electronically, make secure payments and receive travel authorization without visiting a Ghanaian embassy or consulate.

Ghanaian authorities say the reform is designed to replace the country’s largely manual visa processing system with a technology-driven platform aimed at improving efficiency, transparency and border security management.

Speaking at the launch ceremony, Mahama described the initiative as part of a broader effort to build a “modern, efficient and globally competitive state” through digital transformation.

The government also announced a major policy shift for African travelers. Beginning immediately, holders of African passports traveling to Ghana for tourism or business purposes through the new online system will no longer be required to pay visa fees, according to the presidency and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Mahama framed the decision as part of Ghana’s support for African integration and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, particularly initiatives promoting free movement across the continent.

“Let no one misunderstand Ghana’s openness and hospitality as a relaxation of our national security obligations,” Mahama said, adding that the platform is integrated into passenger information systems and international watch-list databases to strengthen pre-arrival screening.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, the new system will help authorities identify potential security risks before travelers arrive in the country.

Government officials say the reform is expected to improve Ghana’s competitiveness as a regional hub for business and tourism at a time when several countries are tightening migration policies globally.

The e-Visa platform is also linked to Ghana’s broader digital governance agenda and ongoing efforts to modernize airport and border management systems.

The launch has nevertheless sparked some debate within Ghana’s tourism sector. Former Ghana Tourism Authority chief executive Akwasi Agyeman welcomed the digital transition but warned that visa costs for non-African travelers could still affect Ghana’s competitiveness compared with rival destinations.

Ghana joins a growing number of African countries adopting digital visa systems to simplify travel procedures, improve border management and encourage cross-border mobility as the continent advances economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework.