Latest news with #Ablakwa
Morocco World
a day ago
- Business
- Morocco World
Ghanaians Can Now Travel to Morocco Without Traditional Visa
Doha – Ghanaian citizens no longer need to obtain traditional visas to enter Morocco, following a new bilateral agreement between the two African countries. The landmark policy change, which takes immediate effect, replaces embassy appointments with an online travel authorization system promising approvals within 24 hours. Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development during his two-day working visit to Rabat. 'This is one of the key agreements reached with the Moroccan Foreign Minister during my two-day working visit,' Ablakwa stated. The minister shared the news on his official social media pages on Friday, explaining that Ghanaians can now travel to Morocco using an electronic authorization system. Moroccan officials confirmed the immediate implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization to Morocco (ETAM) system for Ghanaian citizens. 'We've agreed to make mobility easier for our citizens,' Ablakwa said during a press briefing with his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. 'Although there is already a direct air link between Ghana and Morocco, the visa has been the main barrier to trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange. Now, with this new measure, that barrier is lifted.' The visa waiver policy aims to significantly enhance trade, boost tourism, and deepen interpersonal connections between the two countries. Existing direct flights operated by Royal Air Maroc will be increased to support this new agreement, potentially establishing daily connections between Casablanca and Accra. 'This will significantly boost tourism and trade, especially since Morocco is a very popular destination,' Ablakwa added. In their joint statement, both ministers affirmed their commitment to promoting tourism, trade, and economic development. They also revealed intentions to finalize a complete visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports in the future. Beyond facilitating travel, the diplomatic engagement produced a seismic shift in Ghana's foreign policy. During the same visit, Ghana formally terminated its recognition of 'SADR,' the paper state proclaimed by the separatist Polisario Front, which it had supported since 1979. Ghana now fully backs Morocco's autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, describing it as 'the only realistic and sustainable basis for a mutually acceptable solution' to the regional dispute. The ministerial meetings yielded several additional cooperation agreements. Both countries signed a memorandum of understanding on political consultations to enhance diplomatic coordination. Morocco pledged to increase scholarships for Ghanaian students from 90 to 140 annually across various disciplines through the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI). 'This is excellent news for us,' Ablakwa remarked. 'Our universities will also welcome Moroccan students, particularly those interested in English-language programs and African studies. We'll soon have a specific agreement in place to facilitate this academic cooperation.' Economic collaboration featured prominently in discussions, with plans for a joint business forum focusing on fertilizer supply—a strategic sector given Ghana's annual import bill of over $3 billion in agricultural products. Both countries will deepen cooperation in agriculture and food security, with special attention to Ghana's cocoa sector. 'Ghana currently spends nearly $3 billion annually on food imports. Our new President is committed to reversing that trend,' said Ablakwa. 'Morocco's expertise in agriculture, agri-food, and fertilizer production gives it a clear advantage. Moroccan experts will soon collaborate with their Ghanaian counterparts to determine the best fertilizer type for our needs.' Transportation links also received attention during Ablakwa's meeting with Morocco's Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdessamad Kayouh. Both parties discussed opportunities in air connectivity, maritime transport, and logistics. Ablakwa mentioned that President John Mahama hopes to make a state visit to Morocco soon, reciprocating King Mohammed VI's 2017 visit to Accra, during which 25 bilateral agreements were signed across key sectors. 'The borders in Africa must not be allowed to divide us—they can be bridges of connectivity. Diplomacy must make meaningful impact in the lives of the people we serve,' Ablakwa concluded. The current agreement builds on earlier discussions between the two countries. In March, Ablakwa met with Morocco's Ambassador to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil, where they initially agreed to introduce a visa waiver for travelers from both countries. This development goes in line with Ghana's broader visa liberalization policy. In January, then-President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the removal of visa requirements for all African passport holders effective January 1, making Ghana the fifth African country to implement such a policy after Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin. Morocco and Ghana have steadily strengthened their bilateral relations in recent years. In January, Morocco was represented at Ghana's presidential inauguration, with Moroccan officials participating in the ceremony that saw President John Mahama take office. The two countries position their engagement as a model for strengthening intra-African partnerships.
Ya Biladi
4 days ago
- Business
- Ya Biladi
Ghana and Morocco to simplify residency, work toward visa-free mobility
In a significant shift in its position on the Sahara issue, Ghana has expressed its support for Morocco's autonomy plan, describing it as the «only realistic and sustainable basis for a mutually acceptable solution» to the regional dispute. The announcement came during a joint statement delivered in Rabat by Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and his Moroccan counterpart, Nasser Bourita. The two also held a press briefing following the signing of the declaration and a memorandum of understanding on political consultations. This endorsement reflects a broader strengthening of ties between the two countries, particularly in areas such as people-to-people mobility, economic cooperation, and academic exchange. As part of this deepening partnership, both sides announced plans to simplify residency procedures for Moroccan and Ghanaian citizens, with the aim of eventually removing visa requirements altogether. Facilitating Mobility to Strengthen Cooperation In their joint statement, the ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting tourism, trade, and economic development between Morocco and Ghana. They also expressed their intention to finalize a visa exemption agreement for holders of ordinary passports. In the interim, Minister Bourita announced the immediate implementation of the Electronic Travel Authorization to Morocco (ETAM) system for Ghanaian citizens, allowing them to obtain visas online within 24 hours. «We've agreed to make mobility easier for our citizens», said Minister Ablakwa during the press briefing. «Although there is already a direct air link between Ghana and Morocco, the visa has been the main barrier to trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchange. Now, with this new measure, that barrier is lifted. This will significantly boost tourism and trade, especially since Morocco is a very popular destination». Investing in Human Capital Through Academic Exchange Both countries also emphasized the importance of investing in human capital and strengthening academic and cultural exchanges. Minister Bourita announced that the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI) would increase the number of scholarships awarded to Ghanaian students from 90 to 140 annually, across various disciplines. «This is excellent news for us», said Ablakwa. «Our universities will also welcome Moroccan students, particularly those interested in English-language programs and African studies. We'll soon have a specific agreement in place to facilitate this academic cooperation». Economic and Agricultural Cooperation Ghana and Morocco also reaffirmed their economic partnership, which was initially cemented in 2017 during King Mohammed VI's visit to Accra through the signing of 25 cooperation agreements. According to Ablakwa, these agreements have already «greatly boosted bilateral trade». «We believe that a reciprocal visit would significantly strengthen our ties. Today's meeting lays the groundwork for a future meeting between the King and President John Dramani Mahama», he added. Looking ahead, the two countries agreed to deepen cooperation in agriculture and food security, areas with strong economic potential for Africa. The partnership will focus on producing fertilizers tailored to local conditions, including soil types, climate, and staple crops. Ghana, the world's second-largest cocoa exporter, will be a key focus. «Ghana currently spends nearly $3 billion annually on food imports. Our new President is committed to reversing that trend», said Ablakwa. «Morocco's expertise in agriculture, agri-food, and fertilizer production gives it a clear advantage. Moroccan experts will soon collaborate with their Ghanaian counterparts to determine the best fertilizer type for our needs, starting with the cocoa sector, which is a vital crop for us». At the regional level, Minister Bourita praised Ghana's continued commitment to African integration, highlighting its active role in ECOWAS, its hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, and its accession as a full member of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) in October 2024.
Ya Biladi
5 days ago
- Politics
- Ya Biladi
Ghana backs Morocco's Sahara autonomy plan, strengthens ties with Rabat
In a joint statement signed this Thursday in Rabat, Ghana expressed its support for the Sahara autonomy plan proposed by Morocco, describing it as the «only realistic and sustainable basis for a mutually acceptable solution to the Sahara issue». The statement also praised the efforts of the United Nations as «the exclusive framework for achieving a realistic, practical, and lasting solution to this regional dispute». «In mediating this conflict, which has lasted for more than five decades, we welcome the plan presented by Morocco and are convinced that a mutual agreement between all parties involved is necessary to achieve lasting regional peace», declared Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who was received by Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita. During a press briefing following the signing of the joint statement and a memorandum of understanding on political consultations, Ablakwa affirmed that Ghana's stance aligns with its traditional vision, which «has always advocated for peace». According to him, the plan proposed by Morocco to resolve the regional dispute «is consistent» with Accra's «peaceful foreign policy». «We cannot continue to oppose each other and engage in a deadlock that does not contribute to peace, stability, and cohesion», emphasized the minister, standing alongside Morocco's Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccans Residing Abroad, Nasser Bourita. «We have always been in favor of peace and dialogue. We believe that all parties should come to the negotiation table and engage in dialogue within the framework of the United Nations. There should be a commitment that the UN decision will be definitive on this issue», Ablakwa stressed. This statement marks a notable shift in Ghana's position. It follows recent decisions by Accra, including the January 7th announcement of its suspension of diplomatic relations with the «Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR)». With this move, 46 countries, including 13 in Africa, have now broken off or suspended such ties since 2000. On the Sahara and the Sahel, Ghana distances itself from Algeria Less than a month ago, a Ghanaian parliamentary delegation visited the Kingdom. Led by the Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Alfred Okoe, the delegation was received in May by Nasser Bourita and the President of the House of Representatives, Rachid Talbi Alami. The parliamentarians also traveled to Laayoune during their visit, which took place just weeks after Foreign Minister Ablakwa's own trip to Algiers. Now back in Morocco, Ablakwa aligned his position on the Sahara with a logic of regional peace, also addressing its broader implications for the Sahel. «We have also considered strengthening regional security [with Rabat, editor's note]. We are concerned about the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism, particularly in the Maghreb and the Sahel, which poses a threat to us all. Everyone knows that Morocco has an excellent intelligence and security system. We will therefore cooperate», he stated. The minister also praised the quality of bilateral ties between Accra and Rabat, not only in regional security, but also in economic and academic cooperation, and in easing mobility between the two countries. «Our relations are at their highest level, and we will continue to work together for peace, stability, and progress, as well as for the transformation of our region. Our diplomacy must be a bearer of peace (...) It must offer opportunities to our populations, and that is our priority», he emphasized. «I am pleased that King Mohammed VI is a visionary leader who also believes in these principles. I will continue to work with Morocco in this direction», he added. In this context, Ablakwa announced an upcoming state visit by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, with the date still to be determined. «I convey to you the warm greetings of the President of the Republic of Ghana. He sends his most sincere greetings to his brother, King Mohammed VI, and looks forward to making a state visit soon to engage in discussions with him. Ghana knows that the last high-level visit was made by the Sovereign [in 2017, editor's note]; it is now Ghana's turn to return the visit», said Ablakwa.
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ghana temporarily shuts embassy in US over alleged visa scandal
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister has announced that the country has temporarily closed its embassy in the US capital amid an investigation into an alleged visa scam. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the embassy will be shut following the "damning findings" of an audit team he put together to investigate alleged corruption at the Washington diplomatic mission. The statement added that the closure would last "a few days" until a "restructuring and systems overhaul" is finalised. According to Ablakwa, a locally recruited staff member and "collaborators" were allegedly involved in a "fraudulent" scheme whereby they extracted money from visa and passport applicants. It is alleged that the scheme consisted of creating an unauthorised link on the embassy's website to redirect visa and passport applicants to a private firm where they were "charged extra for multiple services" without the knowledge of the foreign ministry. Ablakwa added that the staff member "kept the entire proceeds" in their private account, and that the scheme had been going on for five years. Applicants seeking visas were charged unapproved fees ranging from almost $30 (£22) to $60 by the private firm. "This conduct has been reported to the attorney-general for possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes," Ablakwa added. As a result, foreign ministry staff in Washington "have been recalled home" and "all locally recruited staff at the embassy have been suspended", Ablakwa said. "President [John] Mahama's government will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, naked conflict of interest and blatant abuse of office." 'We are poisoning ourselves': Ghana gold rush sparks environmental disaster 'I was duped into leaving London for school in Ghana - but it saved me' Ghana wants more for its cashews, but it's a tough nut to crack Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
Yahoo
26-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Ghana temporarily shuts embassy in US over alleged visa scandal
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister has announced that the country has temporarily closed its embassy in the US capital amid an investigation into an alleged visa scam. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the embassy will be shut following the "damning findings" of an audit team he put together to investigate alleged corruption at the Washington diplomatic mission. The statement added that the closure would last "a few days" until a "restructuring and systems overhaul" is finalised. According to Ablakwa, a locally recruited staff member and "collaborators" were allegedly involved in a "fraudulent" scheme whereby they extracted money from visa and passport applicants. It is alleged that the scheme consisted of creating an unauthorised link on the embassy's website to redirect visa and passport applicants to a private firm where they were "charged extra for multiple services" without the knowledge of the foreign ministry. Ablakwa added that the staff member "kept the entire proceeds" in their private account, and that the scheme had been going on for five years. Applicants seeking visas were charged unapproved fees ranging from almost $30 (£22) to $60 by the private firm. "This conduct has been reported to the attorney-general for possible prosecution and retrieval of funds obtained through fraudulent schemes," Ablakwa added. As a result, foreign ministry staff in Washington "have been recalled home" and "all locally recruited staff at the embassy have been suspended", Ablakwa said. "President [John] Mahama's government will continue to demonstrate zero tolerance for corruption, naked conflict of interest and blatant abuse of office." 'We are poisoning ourselves': Ghana gold rush sparks environmental disaster 'I was duped into leaving London for school in Ghana - but it saved me' Ghana wants more for its cashews, but it's a tough nut to crack Go to for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica Africa Daily Focus on Africa
