Petition: Reduce the New Ghana E‑Visa Fee — A 400% Increase Is Unfair to the Diaspora

To: Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration

Cc: Ghana Immigration Service, Ministry of the Interior

Petition Summary

We, members of the Ghanaian diaspora and concerned travellers, respectfully call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review and reduce the newly announced Ghana e‑Visa fees scheduled to take effect on 1 August 2026. The new fee structure represents an increase of over 400% compared to the existing consular visa system, creating an excessive financial burden on Ghanaian families abroad.

Background

Under the current system, a multiple‑entry Ghana visa issued by embassies abroad costs approximately £60. The new e‑Visa system introduces a fee of £250 per applicant, regardless of age or purpose of travel. For a typical Ghanaian family of five travelling home, this amounts to £1,250 (≈ GHS 19,500) simply to enter the country.

This drastic increase is difficult to justify on economic, social, or policy grounds. Public statements citing “economic stability” or “digitisation costs” do not reasonably explain a 400% rise in fees, especially when Ghana’s inflation rate has recently declined.

Why This Matters

1. The diaspora is a major contributor to Ghana’s economy

Ghana receives billions of dollars annually in diaspora remittances. These funds support families, education, healthcare, property development, and local businesses. The diaspora’s financial contribution is one of the most stable sources of national income.

2. The new fee disproportionately affects Ghanaian families abroad

Many diaspora members travel home for essential reasons: funerals, land matters, family obligations, cultural events, and emergencies. These are not optional trips. The demand is inelastic, meaning families cannot simply choose not to travel.

3. The fee structure treats diaspora citizens as foreign tourists

Ghanaians travelling on foreign passports are charged the same rate as non‑Ghanaian tourists, despite their deep social, cultural, and economic ties to the country.

4. The increase undermines diaspora engagement

Policies that make it harder or more expensive for diaspora families to visit Ghana weaken national cohesion and discourage investment, travel, and long‑term connection.

Our Request

We respectfully call on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ghana Immigration Service to:

• Review and reduce the new e‑Visa fee to a fair and reasonable level
• Introduce a differentiated fee structure for Ghanaian diaspora families
• Provide transparent justification for the 400% increase
• Consider exemptions or reduced fees for children, students, and family travel
• Engage diaspora groups in consultation before implementing major policy changes

These measures would strengthen diaspora relations, encourage travel, and maintain Ghana’s reputation as a welcoming nation.

Conclusion

We urge the Ministry to reconsider the new e‑Visa fee structure in the interest of fairness, national unity, and economic balance. The diaspora remains committed to Ghana’s development, and policies should reflect that partnership — not penalise it.

We respectfully request your attention and action.

Sign this petition to support a fair and reasonable Ghana e‑Visa policy.