Ghana: Ghana and Russia have signed a Visa Waiver Agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports, marking a significant development in relations between the two countries. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, signed the agreement during a three-day official visit to Russia at the invitation of Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
According to Ghana Web, Ablakwa announced the development in a Facebook post on August 17, 2026, describing the agreement as historic. He emphasized that this is the first Visa Waiver Agreement since Ghana and Russia established formal bilateral relations in 1958. The agreement signifies a notable step forward in the diplomatic relationship between the two nations.
Ghana and Russia plan to continue negotiations to secure enhanced visa privileges for other categories of travelers. This initiative is part of both countries' efforts to deepen trade, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. During bilateral discussions with Russian officials, Ablakwa also expressed Ghana's appreciation to Russia for supporting a Ghana-led landmark United Nations resolution. This resolution declared transatlantic enslavement and racialized chattel as the gravest crime against humanity.
The official visit by Ablakwa also aimed to identify broader areas of strategic cooperation between Ghana and Russia. This engagement forms part of efforts by the two countries to strengthen their longstanding diplomatic relations and explore new areas of mutual interest.