Faith Nyasuguta
Ghana and Morocco have reached a historic agreement to remove visa restrictions for travelers between the two countries. This landmark decision is expected to strengthen diplomatic relations and create new opportunities for economic collaboration. The agreement will be presented to both nations’ parliaments for approval in the coming weeks.
The announcement came from Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, following discussions with the Moroccan Ambassador to Ghana, Her Excellency Imane Ouaadil. Alongside the visa waiver, the two countries pledged to deepen their cooperation in vital sectors such as agribusiness, tourism, and security.
“We have both additionally pledged to deepen collaboration in agribusiness, tourism, and security,” Ablakwa stated, highlighting the broader scope of the partnership beyond travel.
Ablakwa also took the opportunity to address concerns circulating on social media about alleged violence against Africans in Morocco. He clarified that the Moroccan Ambassador had firmly denied the claims, explaining that the footage in question was from a tragic border incident on June 24, 2022, which led to the loss of 23 lives.
“That deplorable incident has since been investigated by Moroccan and Spanish authorities,” Ablakwa said, assuring the public that no Ghanaians were affected and urging caution in spreading unverified information.
In addition to easing travel, Morocco has announced a significant boost to educational ties by doubling its annual scholarships for Ghanaian students. Starting this year, the number of scholarship slots will rise from 90 to 180, offering more Ghanaian students the chance to pursue higher education in Morocco.
This move is expected to strengthen academic collaboration and open doors for future leaders, enhancing Ghana’s educational landscape and creating lasting people-to-people ties between the two countries.
Ablakwa’s discussions with Morocco are part of Ghana’s broader strategy to strengthen its diplomatic and economic partnerships globally. Prior to his meeting with Ambassador Ouaadil, he also engaged with the Russian Ambassador to Ghana, Sergei Berdnikov, focusing on enhancing ties between Ghana and Russia.
“Ghana will continue to pursue our longstanding foreign policy of positive neutrality and serve as a credible voice for global peace,” Ablakwa shared in a Facebook post.
This series of diplomatic engagements highlights Ghana’s commitment to building meaningful international partnerships, fostering educational opportunities, and promoting security cooperation while ensuring the smooth movement of people between nations.
The Ghana-Morocco visa waiver represents a step toward a more connected Africa, where barriers to travel are reduced, and collaboration is strengthened, a vision both nations are embracing as they pave the way for closer relations.
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