Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that Ghana will sign additional visa waiver agreements in the coming months as part of efforts to strengthen the global standing of the Ghanaian passport.
Speaking to journalists last Thursday after bilateral meetings held on the sidelines of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Minister described visa waiver agreements as a top priority. He hinted at major announcements beginning in March and continuing through April and May.
“You know that visa waiver agreements remain my priority as Foreign Minister. I expect more visa waiver agreements this year. Even within the month of March, you’ll be hearing some good news,” he stated.
Mr Ablakwa expressed confidence that Ghana is on course to have one of the most valuable passports in Africa and globally. He pointed to significant upgrades, noting that the Ghanaian passport now features fully chip-embedded technology and advanced security systems, alongside expanded travel access.
“It’s now probably the most secure in terms of the security features we have. It’s fully chip-embedded, and we are ahead of so many countries,” he said.
The Minister also assured that the government has strengthened measures to prevent the fraudulent acquisition of passports. According to him, artificial intelligence tools and modern technology have been deployed to outpace criminal networks.
On affordability, Mr Ablakwa recalled the recent 30 per cent reduction in passport fees, stressing that passports should not be treated as luxury items.
“For Ghanaians to have passports, it is a right. Passports should not be a luxury. It’s our national pride. It’s our national identity,” he emphasised.
On the multilateral front, the Minister described ongoing African Union deliberations as constructive and substantive. He revealed that Ghana’s draft United Nations resolution on the transatlantic slave trade has secured endorsement at the ministerial level.
The resolution, to be tabled by President John Dramani Mahama on March 25, seeks global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity. Heads of State are expected to formally endorse the draft.
Mr Ablakwa noted that the proposal has undergone broad consultations involving CEDAW, ECOSOC, the AU Committee of Experts, CARICOM and other international stakeholders to ensure collective ownership.
President Mahama, designated by the African Union as champion on the matter, has had his mandate extended for a decade, positioning Ghana to lead advocacy efforts over the next ten years.
Following the AU meetings, President Mahama is expected to address the CARICOM Summit in St Kitts and Nevis to strengthen collaboration among people of African descent across Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas.
Meanwhile, Ghana has been commended for what officials described as diplomatic maturity after withdrawing its bid for a seat on the AU Peace and Security Council to allow for a united ECOWAS front.
The Minister said the move underscores Ghana’s commitment to regional integration and Pan-African unity, in line with the vision of Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.
Mr Ablakwa expressed optimism about Ghana’s growing influence on both the continental and global stage.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com