Omanghana
Ghana and Belarus have agreed to begin negotiations toward a bilateral visa waiver agreement aimed at making travel easier for citizens of both countries while strengthening cooperation in trade, education, and security.
The announcement was made by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, after a high-level meeting in Accra with his Belarusian counterpart, Maxim Ryzhenkov. The proposed agreement is expected to simplify travel procedures and encourage greater interaction between businesses, students, and government institutions in both countries.
Beyond the planned visa waiver arrangement, discussions between the two officials also focused on expanding cooperation in several strategic sectors. One key area of interest is agriculture, where both countries are exploring collaboration in mechanized farming and tractor production. The partnership is expected to support Ghana’s national agricultural development program known as the Feed Ghana Initiative, which aims to boost food production and improve agricultural productivity.
Security cooperation was also highlighted during the talks, with both governments considering new agreements related to defense collaboration and cybersecurity. These initiatives are intended to strengthen institutional capacity and address emerging security challenges in the digital and defense sectors.
Education is another major focus of the partnership. Both sides discussed expanding academic exchanges and strengthening relationships between universities and research institutions in Ghana and Belarus. The initiative is expected to create more opportunities for students and scholars to participate in joint programs and research collaborations.
Economic cooperation was also on the agenda, with proposals for enhanced customs collaboration, investment protection agreements, and the creation of a joint trade commission to coordinate future economic initiatives between the two countries.
The planned visa waiver negotiations form part of Ghana’s broader effort to improve international mobility for its citizens and strengthen diplomatic ties with global partners. In recent months, Ghana has concluded visa-free agreements with several countries, including Morocco, Mozambique, Colombia, São Tomé and Príncipe, and Dominica.
In addition, an existing visa waiver arrangement with Saint Kitts and Nevis has recently been expanded to include holders of ordinary passports, allowing more Ghanaian travelers to benefit from the agreement.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also confirmed improvements in Ghana’s visa relations with the United States. According to the government, previous visa restrictions affecting Ghanaian travelers have been reversed, and eligible citizens can now obtain five-year multiple-entry visas for travel to the United States.
Officials say these diplomatic efforts are part of a broader strategy to strengthen Ghana’s global partnerships, promote economic opportunities, and enhance the ease of travel for its citizens around the world.
Source: Omanghana
