Ghana and Morocco discuss visa-free travels
Photo: Morocco’s Ambassador to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil (L) with Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (R) / © Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana.
Ghana and Morocco are working towards a visa-free travel agreement, which will strengthen diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties between the two nations. The initiative will make it easier for citizens of both countries to travel for business, tourism, and education, promoting increased investment, trade, and cultural exchange.
The agreement, which is expected to be presented to the parliaments of both countries for approval, follows high-level discussions between Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Morocco’s Ambassador to Ghana, Imane Ouaadil.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister also addressed concerns over reports of violence against Africans in Morocco, clarifying that a widely circulated video was actually from a June 2022 border incident that resulted in 23 fatalities, and reassuring Ghanaians that no Ghanaian nationals were involved.
Ghana and Morocco have a long history of friendly relations, dating back to the 1960s. Over the years, the two countries have cooperated in various areas, including trade, education, and healthcare. However, visa requirements have often posed a barrier to travel and exchange between the two nations.
With visa-free travel discussions now on the table, the two countries have emphasized their commitment to deepening cooperation in key sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, and security.
Morocco, which is already a major player in North Africa, aims to increase its influence in sub-Saharan Africa. While Ghana, which has one of the most vibrant economies in West Africa, is working to expand its business alliances and improve ties with the Arab world.
“Morocco and Ghana have also agreed to initiate a visa waiver agreement for all category of travelers from both countries. The agreement will be presented to our Parliaments for ratification shortly. We have both additionally pledged to deepen collaboration in Agribusiness, Tourism and Security,” said Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister on X.
He also indicated that Morocco has doubled its annual scholarship allocation for Ghanaian students, increasing the number from 90 to 180. The initiative will strengthen educational ties and provide Ghanaian students with opportunities for higher education, particularly in fields that align with Ghana’s developmental goals.
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He is as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
