Both Presidents Cyril Ramaphosa of South Africa and Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana have applauded the recent agreement between their countries to abolish visa requirements, claiming that it has significantly increased air travel and commerce volumes between the two countries.
The agreement, which went into effect on November 1, 2023, permits nationals of the two countries to enter the host nation visa-free for up to 90 days.
President Ramaphosa voiced his delight with the good effect of the visa waiver on bilateral relations between the two nations during the second session of the Bi-National Committee meeting in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He pointed out that the agreement has improved people-to-people ties, business-to-business ties, and educational and scientific exchanges in addition to tourism.
“We welcome to the second session of the Bi-national Commission between the Republic of South Africa and the Republic of Ghana, we welcome you with warm hearts. One of the recent highlights in our bilateral relations was the signing of the reciprocal visa exemption for ordinary passport holders for a period of 90 days per annum, which entered into force on the 1st of November 2023.
This has resulted in a considerable increase of travellers between our two countries, contributing not only to tourism, but towards enhancing business-to-business links, educational and scientific exchanges, and people-to-people ties as well.”

Reiterating Ramaphosa’s views, President Akufo-Addo said that Ghana’s relationship with South Africa has become closer as a result of the visa waiver. He underlined the value of their collaboration and the possibilities it presents for their respective countries and peoples.
The purpose of the Bi-National Committee conference, which unites delegates from the two nations, is to promote respect and cooperation between South Africa and Ghana.
“I come with warm greetings from the people and government of Ghana to you, your Excellency, Matamela, Cyril Ramaphosa, and the good people of the Republic of South Africa. As we gather at this Binational Commission meeting, I’m reminded of the profound significance of our partnership and the boundless potential it holds for our two nations and peoples.
“Our current deliberations mark yet another chapter in our shared commitment towards nurturing a relationship built on trust, cooperation, and mutual respect.
In accordance with the Bi-national Committee arrangements, the two nations have also removed the need for a visa through a visa waiver agreement, which went into effect on November 1, 2023, to promote travel and business between the two nations. Like you, Mr. President, I’m also struck by the rise in the quantity of interactions between our two nations.
