Ghana and South Korea have signed a landmark visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, marking a major milestone in nearly five decades of bilateral relations between the two countries.
The agreement was signed by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his South Korean counterpart, Cho Hyun, on the sidelines of the ongoing Africa–Korea Foreign Ministers Meeting. The arrangement allows holders of diplomatic and service passports from both countries to travel without visas, while negotiations continue on extending the facility to holders of ordinary passports.
The agreement represents the first visa waiver arrangement between Ghana and South Korea since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations nearly 50 years ago. It also follows efforts by both countries to deepen cooperation in trade, technology, maritime security, climate action and investment.
Announcing the development, Mr. Ablakwa described the agreement as a historic achievement in Ghana–South Korea relations and an important step toward improving diplomatic mobility and strengthening people-to-people connections between the two countries.
“Ghana and South Korea today signed a historic Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports,” the Minister stated.
He added that discussions would continue to bring ordinary passport holders under the arrangement, potentially expanding travel opportunities for businesspersons, students, tourists and other citizens in the future.
“Negotiations will continue to bring on board holders of Ordinary Passports.” He added.
The Foreign Minister further noted that the agreement delivers on key priorities identified during President Mahama’s March visit to Seoul, which focused on advancing economic cooperation, technological partnerships and stronger diplomatic engagement between the two nations.
The visa waiver agreement is expected to facilitate official exchanges, enhance diplomatic cooperation and further strengthen the growing partnership between Ghana and South Korea at a time when both countries are seeking to broaden engagement across Africa and Asia.
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