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Ghana to Expand Visa-Free Travel Deals as Passport Reforms Gain Momentum

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Ghana is set to sign additional visa waiver agreements in the coming months as part of a broader strategy to enhance the strength and global competitiveness of the Ghanaian passport, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.

Speaking to journalists after bilateral meetings on the margins of the 39th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, Mr Ablakwa described visa waiver arrangements as a key priority for the Foreign Ministry. He indicated that a series of major announcements would begin in March and continue through April and May.

Visa-free travel, he stressed, remains central to the government’s diplomatic agenda for the year. “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 said.

Passport Security Upgrades

The Minister expressed confidence that Ghana is on course to securing one of the most valuable passports in Africa and beyond. He highlighted recent technological upgrades, noting that the Ghanaian passport now features full chip-embedded technology and enhanced security systems designed to meet global standards.

According to him, the new passport ranks among the most secure in terms of its safety features, placing Ghana ahead of several countries in document security innovation.

Mr Ablakwa further assured that government has intensified efforts to curb fraudulent acquisition of passports. Artificial intelligence driven systems and modern verification tools, he said, have been deployed to outpace criminal networks engaged in document fraud.

30 Percent Reduction in Fees

On accessibility, the Minister referenced the recent 30 percent reduction in passport application fees, reiterating the government’s position 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.

UN Resolution on Transatlantic Slave Trade

On the multilateral front, Mr Ablakwa described deliberations at the AU Summit as substantive and constructive. He disclosed that Ghana’s draft United Nations resolution seeking global recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as the gravest crime against humanity has secured endorsement at the ministerial level.

The resolution is expected to be tabled on March 25 by President John Dramani Mahama, who has been designated by the African Union as champion on the issue. Heads of State are anticipated to formally endorse the draft.

The Minister noted that the proposal followed extensive consultations involving Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women, United Nations Economic and Social Council, the African Union Committee of Experts, CARICOM, and other international stakeholders to ensure broad consensus and collective ownership.

President Mahama’s mandate on the matter has been extended for a decade, positioning Ghana to lead global advocacy efforts over the next ten years.

Following the AU engagements, President Mahama is expected to address the CARICOM Summit in St Kitts and Nevis, aimed at strengthening ties among people of African descent across Africa, the Caribbean and the Americas.

Commitment to Regional Unity

Meanwhile, Ghana has earned commendation for withdrawing its bid for a seat on the AU Peace and Security Council to allow for a united front within Economic Community of West African States.

Mr Ablakwa said the decision reflects Ghana’s enduring commitment to regional integration and Pan African solidarity, in line with the vision of the country’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.

He expressed optimism that Ghana’s diplomatic posture and strategic engagements are steadily enhancing its influence on both the continental and global stage.

Culture

MR. Richard Commey Fio is no longer the Ag. Deputy DIrector of National Commision On Culture – Update Website

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The digital department of the National Commission  on Culture must be up to date and work effectively in discharging their duties. 

In this era of digital age, and especially a government agency like National Commission On Culture, they should be updating their website to meet the current situation. 

A thorough check on the website by Kpdonline.net reveals that Mr Fio Richardson Commey (PhD) is still posted as the Ag Deputy Executive Director of the Commission. This means his personal data (picture, name, and designation) is still on the website of the Commission and not deleted. Mr Fio Richardson Commey is no longer a staff and the Ag.Deputy Executive Director of NCC. He is currently serving as the Special Aide/ Special Assistant to Honourable Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts.  

 

Kpdonline.net can  confirm that a letter dated on the 30th of July 2025 was written to the Acting Executive Director, Mr Wakefield Wisdom Ackuaku, requested immediate deletion of his personal data on the NCC website. This has fallen into deaf ears. 

 

The agency led by Mr Wakefield Ackuako should up their game by being proactive in discharging their duties. Kpdonline.net is still playing its watch dog role and will monitor to see the changes done. 

 

Report by kpdonline.net.

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Culture

Vice President Launches Revised National Cultural Policy to Drive Heritage Preservation and Creative Economy Growth

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The Vice President Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has officially launched Ghana’s revised National Cultural Policy, describing it as a transformative framework aimed at preserving the nation’s rich cultural heritage while promoting economic growth through the cultural and creative industries.

The launch ceremony took place at the National Theatre in Accra on June 8, 2026, bringing together key stakeholders from the arts, culture and creative sectors.

The revised policy serves as a strategic roadmap for safeguarding Ghana’s cultural identity and harnessing the potential of the cultural and creative industries to create jobs, stimulate innovation and drive social transformation.

The new policy replaces the previous Cultural Policy, which was introduced in 2004. It has been aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, positioning culture as a central pillar of Ghana’s national development agenda.

Addressing participants at the launch, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang called on stakeholders across the cultural and creative sectors to collaborate in ensuring the successful implementation of the policy.

“Let this launch mark the beginning of a bold new chapter in Ghana’s cultural journey. Let us come together—government, traditional authorities, the youth and the diaspora—to unlock the full potential of culture and creativity. We must build a nation that draws strength from its heritage, creates opportunities through innovation, and projects its voice with confidence and influence on the global stage,” she stated.

The Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, noted that the revised policy is the outcome of seven years of extensive stakeholder consultations. According to her, the framework is designed to support creative entrepreneurs, attract cultural investments and ensure the integration of culture into national development planning.

Work on the revised National Cultural Policy began seven years ago, involving broad consultations with stakeholders across the country.

The policy covers key thematic areas including culture and heritage, culture and society, culture and governance, culture and the economy, culture and technology, as well as oversight, implementation and regulatory mechanisms.

The launch reaffirms Ghana’s commitment to leveraging culture as a catalyst for sustainable development, heritage preservation, economic empowerment and enhanced engagement with the global cultural community.

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Culture

Christian Council Backs Mahama’s Decision to Review Anti-LGBTQ+ Bill

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The Christian Council of Ghana has expressed support for President John Dramani Mahama’s decision to subject the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, widely known as the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill, to further constitutional and legal review before taking a final decision on it.

President Mahama, during a recent visit to the United Kingdom, indicated that the proposed legislation would undergo additional scrutiny to ensure it complies with all constitutional requirements before any action is taken regarding assent.

Speaking in an interview with Citi News, the Christian Council’s Coordinator for Interfaith and Ecumenical Relations, Rev. Jehodia Godwin Amuzu, described the President’s approach as prudent and in line with his constitutional mandate.

According to Rev. Amuzu, the President has a responsibility to seek legal guidance and ensure the bill can withstand any potential constitutional challenge.

“The President, as Head of State, must allow his advisers to thoroughly examine the bill to ensure it satisfies all constitutional requirements. Otherwise, the legislation could be challenged in court and struck down,” he stated.

He urged Ghanaians to remain patient and allow due process to take its course.

“We must appreciate that this is how democracy works. Decisions of this nature cannot be made arbitrarily. We should give the President the benefit of the doubt and allow the constitutional processes to be completed,” he added.

Rev. Amuzu further disclosed that during previous engagements with religious leaders, President Mahama had indicated his willingness to assent to the bill once it is presented to him.

“He assured us that when the bill reaches his desk, he will assent to it. However, from the indications we are receiving, the scrutiny is necessary because the bill is not government-sponsored. The aim is to ensure it is legally sound and fit for purpose,” he explained.

The Christian Council official also welcomed recent calls by Speaker of Parliament Alban Bagbin for lawmakers to revisit the bill, describing the ongoing public discourse as a positive feature of democratic governance.

“I believe this is healthy for our democracy. We are not operating under an authoritarian system. Democracy thrives on participation, dialogue and accountability. Citizens have every right to take an interest in matters before Parliament and government, while ensuring that the necessary checks and balances are maintained,” he said.

His comments come amid renewed public debate over the future of the anti-LGBTQ+ Bill and the respective roles of Parliament and the Executive in determining its eventual outcome.

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