Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced ongoing cooperation with Pakistan to introduce a visa waiver for holders of diplomatic and official passports. The initiative aims to strengthen bilateral relations and ease travel for diplomats between the two countries.
The announcement follows a courtesy visit by Pakistan’s Additional Foreign Secretary and head of delegation, Ambassador Hamid Asghar Khan, to Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs James Gyakye Quayson. The visit followed a high-level political consultation with Ghana’s Foreign Affairs leadership to discuss shared bilateral, regional, and international issues of mutual interest.
Deputy Minister Gyakye Quayson received the Pakistani delegation on behalf of Ghana, as substantive Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa was in Jamaica providing support to the hurricane-stricken island through the donation of engineering equipment and supplies to the Jamaican Defense Force for reconstruction efforts.
The proposed visa waiver is part of broader diplomatic measures being finalized by Ghana and Pakistan to deepen south-south cooperation. Both countries aim to boost trade, cultural exchange, education, job creation, infrastructure development, and other national priority areas.
Ghana has already ratified visa agreements with 25 countries worldwide, enhancing people-to-people connectivity and positioning the country as a gateway to Africa. Pakistan will join countries such as China, Cuba, Germany, Brazil, South Africa, Sudan, Namibia, Hungary, India, Equatorial Guinea, and Morocco, all of which have reciprocal visa-free arrangements for diplomatic and service passport holders.
The move is expected to facilitate smoother mobility between Ghana and these countries, increase trade volumes, and promote cultural and educational exchanges. Ghana’s travel mobility has also improved significantly, with The Passport Index rating the country at 75 in 2023, up from 54 in 2019.
Diplomatic ties between Ghana and Pakistan date back to 1958. Pakistan established its High Commission in Accra in 1963, and despite periods of intermittent closure, the mission was re-opened on 1 June 2022. Since then, it has actively focused on strengthening collaboration across political, economic, social, and cultural spheres.
Economic relations between the two countries are gaining momentum. In February 2023, Pakistan’s Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FPCCI) and Ghana’s National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to establish a Joint Business Council, facilitating regular trade delegations and business exchanges. In 2023, total bilateral trade reached USD 65.2 million, with Pakistan exporting mainly rice, textiles, tractors, ethyl alcohol, and cement clinker, while Ghana exported goods valued at USD 8 million, including cereals, textiles, pharmaceuticals, and food products.
On the global stage, Ghana and Pakistan continue to align on key international issues. Both advocate for a rules-based international order, uphold respect for international law, and support equitable trade and economic systems. Their cooperation in multilateral forums underscores a shared commitment to fostering peace, stability, and mutual prosperity.
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