Former Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Akwasi Agyeman, has raised concerns about the cost of Ghana’s visa charges under the newly launched e-Visa system, warning that the fees could make the country less competitive as a tourism and business destination.
His comments follow the launch of Ghana’s first e-Visa service portal by President John Dramani Mahama on Monday, May 25, 2026.
The online platform allows travellers to apply for, pay for, and receive visas electronically without visiting a Ghanaian embassy or consulate.
President Mahama also announced that African passport holders travelling to Ghana for business purposes would use the online platform without paying visa fees.
Speaking on Citi Eyewitness News, Akwasi Agyeman described the digital visa system as a positive step but stressed that the cost of Ghana’s visa charges remains a major concern.
“Tourism is a very competitive landscape, and so yes, we are creating easy access for people to apply and receive their visas, but it shouldn’t come at an expense where it makes the country uncompetitive,” he said.
According to him, Ghana’s visa charges are significantly higher compared to other African destinations competing for tourists and investors.
“We need to look at the figures. $260 for a single entry visa for people coming from America is very expensive, given that they have options. They have options to go to Senegal which is visa-free, they have options to go to Kenya which is $59, Rwanda for about $50,” he stated.
He argued that although the e-Visa platform improves convenience, high visa costs could still discourage travellers from choosing Ghana.
“What I am saying is that it is a very good initiative but let’s look at the cost because already people are complaining that Ghana is a very expensive country,” he added.
Despite his concerns, Agyeman commended the new system, saying it appears reliable and secure.
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