Accra, Ghana – September 27, 2025 – Ghana has made history by signing a visa-free travel agreement with Antigua and Barbuda, marking a significant step in strengthening ties between West Africa and the Caribbean. The landmark deal, inked on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York, allows Ghanaians to travel to the Caribbean paradise without a visa.

A Historic Handshake at UNGA

The agreement was sealed between Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and his Antiguan counterpart, E.P. Chet Greene, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Barbuda Affairs. The moment, captured during a ceremonial signing, featured the exchange of official documents adorned with the flags of both nations.

Ablakwa hailed the pact as the 10th visa waiver agreement under his tenure, a testament to the Mahama administration’s focus on enhancing the Ghanaian passport’s value.
“This milestone connects us to our brothers and sisters in the Caribbean, boosting trade, tourism, and cultural exchange,” he said, expressing gratitude to Greene for his pivotal role.

What This Means for Ghanaians

For Ghanaians, this deal opens up Antigua and Barbuda’s stunning 365 beaches, vibrant festivals, and thriving markets without the usual visa hurdles. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a business trip, or a cultural exchange, the visa-free access simplifies the journey. The agreement also fosters economic opportunities, with potential for Ghanaian exports like cocoa and shea butter to find new markets in the Caribbean.

Antigua’s tourism sector could see a surge as Ghana’s growing middle class and diaspora community explore the island. Conversely, Antiguan visitors might flock to Ghana’s rich heritage sites, strengthening people-to-people ties.

A Broader Vision for Ghana

This visa waiver aligns with Ghana’s broader diplomatic strategy to elevate its passport power and project a positive image globally. Ablakwa emphasized the Mahama administration’s deliberate efforts to enhance travel experiences, linking this to the success of the “Year of Return” initiative.

The deal could pave the way for more such agreements, potentially with other Caribbean or Commonwealth nations, as Ghana positions itself as a hub for African-Caribbean collaboration.

What You Need to Know

Travelers should monitor updates from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for specifics, such as passport validity or health protocols. Antigua’s tourism board offers resources for planning your trip, from flight options to local attractions. This visa-free access, effective immediately, is a golden opportunity for Ghanaians to explore new horizons.

How will you make the most of this visa-free travel? Share your plans in the comments, spread the word, and stay tuned to Ghanaonline.net for the latest on “Ghana travel updates 2025” and beyond.