Ghana dismisses South Africa visa-free travel claims, warns of reciprocal action if deal ends

Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has firmly denied reports claiming that South Africa has suspended visa-free travel privileges for Ghanaian citizens, assuring the public that the bilateral visa waiver agreement remains fully operational.

The clarification follows widespread speculation fuelled by recent xenophobic attacks in parts of South Africa, which sparked concerns that Ghanaians would now require visas to enter the country.

In a statement, Mr Ablakwa described the reports as false, emphasising that South African authorities have not taken any decision to terminate or suspend the reciprocal visa waiver agreement between the two nations.

"As the South African authorities have themselves indicated, no such decision has been taken on this matter, which is governed by an agreement applicable on a reciprocal basis," the minister stated.

He stressed that the existing agreement continues to be valid, allowing eligible citizens of both Ghana and South Africa to travel to each other's countries without obtaining visas for short stays.

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Government urges public to ignore false reports

The foreign affairs minister urged Ghanaians to disregard misinformation suggesting they have lost the privilege of visa-free travel to South Africa.

"The public should, therefore, disregard reports suggesting that Ghanaian citizens have lost the benefit of visa-free travel to South Africa," he said.

Mr Ablakwa further explained that any future changes to the travel arrangement would only be communicated through official diplomatic channels by both governments.

He also highlighted that the visa waiver agreement is founded on the principle of reciprocity.

According to the minister, if South Africa were ever to withdraw Ghana's visa-free status, Ghana would be compelled to respond with a similar measure under the terms of the agreement.

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Ghana continues evacuation amid xenophobic violence.

The minister's clarification comes as Ghana resumes the voluntary evacuation of its citizens from South Africa following renewed anti-immigrant violence in some communities.

The latest evacuation exercise is expected to assist approximately 1,000 Ghanaian nationals, with priority being given to women, children, the elderly, students, and individuals with underlying medical conditions.

The Ghana-South Africa visa waiver remains unchanged.

Ghana and South Africa have maintained a reciprocal visa waiver agreement for several years, enabling holders of ordinary passports from both countries to travel visa-free for short visits.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry has therefore advised the public to rely only on verified information issued through official government channels regarding any future changes to the travel policy.