Ghana, Russia Sign Visa Waiver Agreement for Diplomatic and Service Passport Holders

Ghana and Russia have signed a Visa Waiver Agreement covering holders of diplomatic and service passports, marking the first agreement of its kind between the two countries since the establishment of formal bilateral relations in 1958.

The agreement is expected to facilitate official travel between Ghana and Russia for eligible diplomatic and service passport holders while strengthening government-to-government engagements and broader bilateral cooperation.

The agreement was signed during a three-day official visit to Russia by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, at the invitation of his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov.

Mr Ablakwa announced the development in a Facebook post on Monday, August 17, 2026, describing the agreement as a historic milestone in Ghana-Russia relations.

“On my first day of this important official visit, we signed a historic Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports,” the Minister said.

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the agreement represents an important step in deepening relations between the two countries and facilitating official engagements.

He noted that Ghana and Russia would continue negotiations towards expanding visa privileges to other categories of travellers as both sides seek to promote trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

“This is the first Visa Waiver Agreement since our two nations established formal bilateral relations in 1958,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

The agreement forms part of broader efforts by Ghana and Russia to strengthen their bilateral relationship and identify new areas of strategic cooperation.

During bilateral discussions, Mr Ablakwa also expressed Ghana’s appreciation to Russia for its support and vote for a Ghana-led United Nations resolution declaring the transatlantic enslavement and racialised chattel as the gravest crime against humanity.

The Minister said the Russian government’s support for the resolution was appreciated by Ghana as both countries continue to engage on issues of international importance.

The three-day official visit is expected to provide an opportunity for Ghana and Russia to map out additional areas of strategic cooperation and strengthen existing bilateral ties.

The two countries are also expected to explore opportunities to deepen collaboration in areas of mutual interest, particularly trade, investment and closer diplomatic engagement.

The signing of the visa waiver agreement therefore represents a significant development in Ghana-Russia relations, while ongoing negotiations on broader visa privileges could further facilitate movement and exchanges between the peoples of the two countries.

With the agreement now in place for diplomatic and service passport holders, Ghana and Russia are expected to continue discussions on additional measures aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation beyond official government engagements.

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