Ghana and Morocco have formalized a significant bilateral agreement enabling Ghanaian citizens to enter Morocco without the need for traditional visas. The agreement, effective immediately, replaces the conventional embassy visa application process with an electronic travel authorization system (ETAM), which guarantees approval within 24 hours.
The announcement was made by Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during his two-day official visit to Rabat. Ablakwa described the arrangement as a major achievement of the visit, highlighting that Ghanaian travelers can now obtain electronic authorizations for entry to Morocco.
At a joint press conference with Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita, Ablakwa emphasized that the new system removes a longstanding barrier to trade, tourism, and interpersonal exchanges, despite the existence of direct flights between the two countries.
The visa-free policy is expected to significantly boost bilateral trade, tourism, and cultural relations. To support this initiative, Royal Air Maroc plans to increase current direct flights and is preparing to launch a daily Casablanca-Accra route.
Ablakwa praised Morocco as a favored travel destination and expressed confidence in the positive economic and tourism benefits stemming from the policy.
Both ministers reaffirmed their commitment to deepening tourism, trade, and economic cooperation, with intentions to negotiate a full visa exemption agreement for ordinary passport holders in the near future.
The visit also marked a notable diplomatic development: Ghana officially withdrew recognition of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR), a separatist entity proclaimed by the Polisario Front, which Ghana had recognized since 1979. Ghana now supports Morocco’s autonomy proposal for Western Sahara, describing it as the “only realistic and sustainable” framework acceptable to both parties for resolving the dispute.
Further diplomatic progress was made with the signing of a memorandum of understanding to enhance political consultations and coordination between the two countries.
Morocco also committed to expanding educational opportunities by increasing scholarships for Ghanaian students from 90 to 140 annually through the Moroccan Agency for International Cooperation (AMCI). Ablakwa welcomed the expansion and noted that Ghanaian universities will soon welcome Moroccan students, especially those interested in English and African studies, with specific academic cooperation agreements forthcoming.
Economic collaboration was a key topic, with plans announced to hold a joint business forum focused on fertilizer supply, a strategic sector given Ghana’s over $3 billion in annual agricultural imports. Both countries aim to deepen cooperation in agriculture and food security, with special focus on Ghana’s cocoa industry.
Ablakwa underscored Ghana’s goal to reduce its food import dependence and highlighted Morocco’s expertise in agriculture and fertilizer production as a crucial asset. Moroccan experts are expected to work closely with Ghanaian counterparts to identify suitable fertilizer solutions.
Discussions also covered transportation and logistics, including opportunities for improved air connectivity, maritime shipping, and broader logistics cooperation.
Ablakwa indicated that Ghanaian President John Mahama plans a state visit to Morocco soon, reciprocating King Mohammed VI’s 2017 visit to Accra, during which 25 bilateral agreements were signed across various sectors.
Concluding, Ablakwa stated: “Africa’s borders should not divide us — they can become bridges of connectivity. Diplomacy must have a meaningful impact on the lives of the people we serve.”
This agreement builds on prior talks, including a March meeting between Ablakwa and Moroccan Ambassador Imane Ouaadil, where preliminary agreements on visa exemptions for travelers were reached.
The move aligns with Ghana’s broader visa liberalization efforts. In January 2025, former President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the removal of visa requirements for all African passport holders, making Ghana the fifth African nation to implement such a policy after Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin.
In recent years, Ghana and Morocco have steadily strengthened bilateral relations, with Moroccan representatives attending Ghana’s presidential inauguration in January 2025, and Moroccan officials participating in President Mahama’s inauguration.
Both countries regard their partnership as a model for enhancing intra-African cooperation.
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