Ghana and Zambia have agreed to introduce visa-free travel for their citizens, marking a major step in strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The announcement was made by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during President John Dramani Mahama’s three-day state visit to Zambia, which is focused on deepening diplomatic, economic and social cooperation.
President Mahama arrived in Lusaka on Wednesday, February 4, where he was warmly received at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport by Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema.
Speaking to journalists during the visit, Mr. Ablakwa described the visa waiver arrangement as one of the most significant outcomes of the trip, noting that it featured prominently in discussions between both governments. He explained that the decision to remove visa requirements is expected to encourage increased movement of people, stimulate trade, boost tourism and attract investment.
He revealed that the agreement was driven by a clear directive from President Mahama ahead of the visit, making the introduction of visa-free travel a priority objective of the engagement.
The policy is expected to eliminate long-standing travel hurdles for Ghanaians and Zambians, particularly students, business executives, professionals and tourists, and is anticipated to promote closer people-to-people ties and greater mobility between the two nations.