Ghana, Algeria Sign Landmark Visa-Free Agreement to Boost Bilateral Relations

In a significant step toward fostering deeper diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, Ghana and Algeria have signed a mutual visa waiver agreement, granting citizens of both countries visa-free access for travel.

The agreement was finalized on May 2, 2025, during a diplomatic visit by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to Algiers.

This landmark decision means that Ghanaians and Algerians will now be able to travel between the two nations without the need for a visa, a move both governments have described as a major milestone in African cooperation and regional integration.

The visa waiver deal is part of a broader diplomatic initiative aimed at revitalizing Ghana-Algeria relations. Minister Ablakwa’s visit included high-level discussions with Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune and Foreign Minister Ahmed Attaf.

During the bilateral meetings, both sides agreed on several initiatives to strengthen cooperation in key sectors:
• Establishment of direct flights between Accra and Algiers to promote tourism, trade, and people-to-people exchange.
• Expansion of educational opportunities, including scholarships for Ghanaian students in science and technology fields such as artificial intelligence and engineering.
• Enhanced collaboration in the oil and gas sector, with both countries exploring joint ventures and knowledge exchange.
• Increased security cooperation, focusing on intelligence sharing to combat transnational threats.
• Revival of the Ghana-Algeria Joint Economic Committee, which will coordinate and monitor bilateral projects and investments.

Minister Ablakwa praised the Algerian government for its hospitality and commitment to deepening ties.

He emphasized that the renewed relationship is grounded not only in economic interests but also in a shared history of solidarity and pan-Africanism.

“This visit has been exceedingly successful. The warmth and strategic vision shared between our two governments signal a new chapter in Ghana-Algeria relations.

“We are building on a long-standing friendship that dates back to Ghana’s support for Algeria’s independence movement,” Ablakwa said.

This agreement also aligns with Ghana’s broader foreign policy direction under its African integration agenda.

Earlier in 2025, Ghana became one of the few African nations to eliminate all visa requirements for African nationals, reinforcing its commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

By removing visa barriers with Algeria, Ghana hopes to serve as a model for other African nations, encouraging ease of mobility and collaboration across the continent.

The Algerian government also expressed enthusiasm for the agreement, viewing it as a crucial element of its renewed focus on sub-Saharan Africa.

While the exact timeline for implementation of direct flights and other initiatives remains under development, both governments have pledged to move quickly

. Technical teams are expected to begin work on the logistics of enforcement and operational rollout in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, citizens of both countries are advised to monitor updates from their respective Ministries of Foreign Affairs regarding travel procedures and eligibility under the new agreement.

The visa waiver and accompanying deals are widely expected to boost trade, education, and cultural exchange between Ghana and Algeria, setting a powerful precedent for intra-African cooperation.