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.

Ghanaian traditional attire, the smock—locally called fugu or batakari—is capturing global attention following President H.E. John Dramani Mahama’s recent diplomatic visit to Zambia. In his end-of-visit interview, President Mahama highlighted the cultural and economic significance of the garment.

Speaking about the smock’s history, President Mahama said, “This is a traditional dress made by a local industry as part of our culture. In the past, it was worn by kings, royalty, and warriors. Our warriors believed that smocks soaked in herbs and blessed spiritually could protect them even in battle. The smock represents strength, identity, and heritage.”

Reflecting on its place in Ghanaian history, he added, “On the day our independence was declared, President Kwame Nkrumah and all the freedom fighters were wearing smocks. Since then, it has become an integral part of our cultural identity, and I want it recognized on the highest platforms in the world.”

President Mahama noted that his choice to wear the smock during official functions and on the global stage has generated widespread interest. “When I wore a smock at the United Nations, people started asking about it. Social media discussions exploded. The smock weavers in Ghana will be very happy because this has given them marketing and branding they could never have dreamed of,” he said.

During the visit to Zambia, President Mahama exchanged gifts with President Hakainde Hichilema. “He gave me a beautiful Zambian carving, which I will display in my office,” Mahama said. “I gifted him a smock, and he said he will order more to share with his citizens. This could open doors for cultural exchange and trade between our countries.”

President Mahama emphasized the importance of promoting local fashion as part of his presidency. “All my clothes are made by Ghanaian designers, and I wear them daily for work and official functions. Ghana’s warm climate makes traditional attire like the smock more comfortable than a suit and tie. It is practical, but also a way to show pride in our heritage,” he said.

He concluded with a vision for Ghana’s textile industry: “Through these efforts, I hope the smock becomes an export item, inspires fashion trends abroad, and showcases Ghanaian craftsmanship and culture to the world.”

The visit and the attention on the smock are expected to boost the profile of Ghanaian designers, while also opening new opportunities for trade and cultural collaboration with Zambia.

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has described the traditional northern Ghanaian attire, Fugu, as a powerful symbol of African identity and cultural renaissance, urging African countries to embrace indigenous heritage as part of continental development.

Speaking at the Ghana–Zambia Business Dialogue, Hon. Ablakwa said the growing prominence of the Fugu reflects a renewed commitment by African leaders to promote cultural pride and self-definition.

According to Hon. Ablakwa, Africa’s development conversation must go beyond economic growth to include cultural revival and restoration of the continent’s historical identity. He noted that indigenous attire such as the Fugu represents resilience and continuity of African traditions.

The Foreign Affairs Minister further stressed that promoting African cultural symbols can help strengthen unity across the continent while also creating economic opportunities in local fashion and textile industries.

Hon. Ablakwa also paid tribute to historic African leaders who championed cultural pride and Pan-African unity, noting that their vision continues to guide contemporary leadership across the continent.

VIDEO: ABLAKWA _ FUGU

The Minister underscored the historic relevance of the attire, noting that Ghana’s first President, Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, wore Fugu during the country’s historic independence declaration on March 6, 1957.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also urged African business communities and FinTech companies to support the continent’s economic renaissance by investing in logistics and digital trade systems that promote the movement of indigenous African products.

VIDEO : ABLAKW _ HISTORY