Ghana and Algeria have signed a visa waiver agreement to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties between the two nations. The deal was signed in Accra on Thursday, May 1, and announced by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
In addition to the visa-free travel arrangement, the two countries have agreed to expand educational collaboration by increasing scholarship quotas for Ghanaian students, particularly in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics, and engineering.
They also committed to establishing a direct flight route between Accra and Algiers to enhance connectivity and facilitate people-to-people exchanges and trade.
Sharing highlights from his official visit to Algeria on social media, Mr. Ablakwa described the engagements as highly productive. “Yesterday, I honoured a special brotherly invitation from the President and Foreign Minister of Algeria. It has been an exceedingly successful official visit to Algiers,” he wrote.
He outlined several key agreements reached during the visit, including:
- A visa waiver agreement for easier travel between the two countries
- Increased scholarship opportunities in STEM disciplines
- Plans to launch a direct air route between the capitals
- A new strategic partnership in oil and gas
- Enhanced cooperation on security and intelligence sharing
- The revival of the Joint Economic Cooperation framework
Mr. Ablakwa emphasized the longstanding historical bond between Ghana and Algeria, noting that Ghana was the first country to host the Algerian flag and anthem outside Algeria during the early 1960s.
“I convey heartfelt gratitude to President H.E. Abdelmadjid Tebboune and my brother, Foreign Minister H.E. Ahmed Attaf, for their exceptionally warm hospitality and genuine friendship,” he added.
The agreements mark a renewed chapter in Ghana-Algeria relations, underpinned by shared history, mutual respect, and a common vision for strategic development across Africa.