Ghana News
‘While Others Expel Fellow Africans’: Mahama Takes Subtle Jab at South Africa During E-Visa Launch
ACCRA — President John Dramani Mahama used the launch of Ghana’s first electronic visa (e-Visa) portal on Monday, May 25, 2026, to draw a sharp contrast between Ghana’s open-door policy and the rising xenophobic hostility facing African migrants in South Africa.
Speaking at the launch of the e-Visa, Mahama declared that “while some countries are expelling fellow Africans and making them feel unwelcome, Ghana proudly welcomes them and affirms that this is your home.”
The e-Visa regime is a comprehensive overhaul of Ghana’s immigration system that scraps the previous visa-on-arrival arrangement and replaces it with a fully digital platform. Under the new regime, all African passport holders travelling to Ghana for business purposes will apply exclusively through the online system and will pay no visa fees.
“From today, all African business travelers will process their visas through this platform and will not pay any visa fee,” Mahama announced, describing the reform as part of a broader transformation of the country’s travel administration system.
The President’s remarks carried particular weight given the timing. His comments came as Ghana finalizes plans to evacuate the first batch of its citizens from South Africa following a resurgence of anti-migrant attacks. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the evacuation process will begin in the early hours of Tuesday, May 26, with evacuees expected to arrive in Ghana by Tuesday afternoon.
The government has prepared a support package that includes financial assistance, transportation to home regions, and psychosocial services for returnees.
Xenophobic Violence Intensifies Across South Africa
Mahama’s pointed reference to “expelling fellow Africans” aligns with mounting concerns over what Human Rights Watch has described as a new wave of xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. Groups such as ‘March and March’ and ‘Operation Dudula,’ (anti-immigration movements advocating stricter enforcement against undocumented migration)have led protests in several South African cities, including Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban.
A viral video showing the alleged assault of a Ghanaian man triggered widespread outrage and prompted Ghana’s evacuation decision, which will see more than 800 citizens return home.
The scale of the crisis was underscored on Thursday, May 21, when South African police removed approximately 400 foreign nationals, including women and children from the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Somalia, from a church center in Durban where they had sought protection from anti-migrant groups.
Local anti-immigrant campaigners cheered and chanted “They must go!” as the migrants, some holding identity documents to bus windows to prove their legal status, were driven to a government refugee center.
“I have the papers to be here. But every time there has been a xenophobic upheaval, I have been a victim,” said Robert Ikobia, a Congolese migrant who told AFP he fled war in the DRC at age 12. “In 2012, I was shot in the head and nearly died. A few years later, I was stabbed by a mob. I fled a war in my country, yet I cannot find peace in South Africa.”
Activists on the ground warn that many incidents go unreported due to fear of retaliation, arrest, or deportation.
Mike Ndlovu, media coordinator for Kopanang Africa Against Xenophobia (KAAX), told Al Jazeera that community networks continue to report “intimidation, threats, harassment, unlawful evictions, workplace discrimination, police extortion, and denial of access to healthcare and other basic services affecting migrants and refugees.”
Messages and videos circulating on social media show anti-immigration activists calling for foreign nationals to leave South Africa by June 30, an ultimatum that carries no legal weight but has nonetheless spread fear across migrant communities.
The E-Visa: Technology, Transparency, and Pan-African Vision
The new e-Visa platform, which took effect on Africa Day, represents a significant technological leap for Ghana’s immigration services. Unlike the previous visa-on-arrival arrangement, which often required physical processing at ports of entry and involved lengthy queues, the digital system allows travelers to apply, pay, and receive visa approvals electronically without visiting a Ghanaian embassy or consulate.
Foreign Minister Ablakwa assured applicants of remarkable efficiency gains:
“Once you begin the visa application process and submit all the supporting documents, you will expect a decision to be delivered to you within 48 hours. That is how efficient the system is.”
Beyond business travelers, President Mahama outlined an even broader vision for the future.
“We envisage a future, which is not too far, of a time where all people of African descent can travel to Ghana without paying any visa fee as they reconnect with their ancestry,” he said, directing the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Interior to develop the necessary framework to support this extended policy.
The initiative has drawn praise from Ghana’s private sector. The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) described the policy as “transformative,” positioning Ghana as a continental leader in tourism, trade, and cultural integration while strengthening the country’s competitiveness relative to other African destinations.
A Growing Trend: African Nations Open Their Doors
Ghana’s move joins a growing list of African nations adopting more liberal visa regimes to stimulate intra-African trade and mobility. Kenya, Rwanda, and Seychelles have already removed visa requirements for fellow Africans . The policy aligns closely with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework, which emphasizes free movement of people alongside goods and services.
The new e-Visa system also forms part of Ghana’s broader digitalisation agenda, incorporating biometric and digital verification systems to strengthen border security while simplifying travel procedures. Officials say the platform will reduce human interface, minimize opportunities for corruption associated with manual processing, and improve data collection for migration management.
Analysts view the timing as significant. By launching the policy on Africa Day and framing it as a direct response to xenophobia elsewhere, Mahama positions Ghana not merely as an alternative destination but as a moral counterweight—a nation that, in the face of continental division, reaffirms the founding Pan-African principle of African unity.
Contrasting Paths: Two Africas
The contrast between Accra’s embrace and Pretoria’s turmoil could hardly be starker. While Ghana prepares to welcome African travellers with digital efficiency and waived fees, South Africa’s anti-migrant groups continue to gain political traction, with parties such as the Patriotic Alliance, ActionSA, and uMkhonto we Sizwe increasingly framing migrants as competitors for jobs and public services.
Mpho Makhubela, a member of the Consortium for Refugees and Migrants in South Africa, explained to Al Jazeera that “vigilante groups feed off the country’s frustrations over unemployment, socioeconomic decline and the lack of effort to address inequality gaps.”
The United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights have both voiced concerns, calling on South African authorities to investigate abuses and protect migrants’ access to justice and basic services.
For the Ghanaians boarding evacuation flights on Tuesday, however, those appeals offer little immediate comfort. As one tearful woman told the Ghana High Commission in Pretoria:
“We don’t want to stay here. I’m sick and tired of this country.”
President Mahama’s message to her—and to all Africans seeking refuge or opportunity—was clear: “This is your home.”
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Policy Launch Date | May 25, 2026 (Africa Day) |
| Key Changes | Visa-on-arrival abolished; replaced by e-Visa portal; visa fees waived for African business travellers |
| Processing Time | Decisions within 48 hours of complete application |
| Evacuation Details | First batch of Ghanaians from South Africa departs early May 26, arrives Accra afternoon May 26 |
| South Africa Context | Anti-migrant groups (March and March, Operation Dudula) call for foreign nationals to leave by June 30; 400 migrants recently removed from Durban church shelter |
| Support for Returnees | Financial assistance, transport to home regions, psychosocial services |
| Future Vision | Eventual visa-free travel for all people of African descent |
Ghana News
Ghana’s Nationwide Flood Clean-Up Kicks Off with Slow Start
ACCRA, Ghana – July 10, 2026 – A two-day nationwide clean-up exercise across seven flood-ravaged regions began Friday morning sluggishly.
Authorities have been urging residents, businesses, and institutions to ramp up participation as teams work to clear refuse, desilt choked drains, and restore public spaces following recent devastating floods.
The exercise, which commenced at 6:00 am local time, will run until 1:00 pm and resume on Saturday, July 11, during the same hours. While early-morning activity in several metropolitan areas was initially subdued, officials report that momentum is gradually building as local assemblies, waste management contractors, security services, and volunteer groups deploy to designated hotspots.
According to the government’s outlined schedule, the first day focuses on Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs), public and private institutions, educational bodies, and waste management firms.
Saturday’s phase will pivot toward community-led efforts, tapping into residents, traditional authorities, and volunteer networks to drive localized clean-up at the grassroots level.

In a bid to maximize turnout, non-essential shops, markets, and commercial establishments within the seven affected regions have been ordered to shut their doors from 6:00 am to 1:00 pm on both days, with exemptions granted only to essential and emergency service providers.
The Ministry has called on transport operators, religious groups, and corporate entities to actively back the initiative, framing it as a critical step toward restoring safe, hygienic communities after the flooding crisis.
Greater Accra, the epicenter of the recent deluge, hosts the bulk of the operation, with authorities identifying 104 flood-prone and affected locations across 17 assemblies. Key areas include, Ga South (Tetegu, STC, Mallam East, New Weija), Ga Central (Awoshie, Kolegu, Israel, A-Land), Ga North (Pokuase Footbridge, Ofankor Barrier), and Ga East (Dome Market, Abokobi Drain). In the capital’s core, heavy machinery and manual crews are converging on major drainage arteries such as Alajo, Kokomlemle, Pig Farm, Mamobi, Nima Highway, the Kanda stretch to Kawukudi, and the 37 Hospital corridor. Coastal communities like Teshie-Nungua, Prampram, Sege, and Tema West’s industrial and residential zones are also actively participating.
Despite the tepid start, authorities remain optimistic that participation will surge as the morning progresses, setting the stage for an even more robust community-driven effort on Saturday.
The exercise represents the government’s most visible response to the recent flooding emergency, mobilizing public administration and local governance structures to tackle the immediate environmental and health hazards facing affected populations.
Ghana News
Top 10 Newspaper Front Page Headlines in Ghana Today: Friday, July 10, 2026
Top 10 news stories on Ghanaian newspaper front pages dated Friday, July 10, 2026.
1. GHC350m Contingency Fund Release Controversy
- Appears in: The New Publisher, The Ghanaian Publisher, The Custodian, The Chronicle
- Summary: The Attorney General is under fire for allegedly instructing the Bank of Ghana to release GHC 350 million from the frozen Contingency Fund for flood relief, despite a court order blocking it. The Minority in Parliament is demanding a probe and blasting the AG’s “lawless” approach.
2. Abu Trica Extradited to US Over $8m Romance Scam
- Appears in: Daily Guide, Ghanaian Times, The New Publisher
- Summary: Socialite Abu Trica has been extradited to the United States to face charges related to an alleged $8 million romance fraud scheme. The extradition happened despite a lack of a court order reversing the decision on the Black Volta project (mentioned in related coverage).
3. GJA Gives NDC Chairman Seven Days to Apologise Over Obaatanpa Radio Attack
- Appears in: Supreme, Daily Guide
- Summary: The Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) has given the Central Regional Chairman of the NDC a seven-day ultimatum to apologise for an attack on Obaatanpa Radio. The incident has sparked significant backlash.
4. Gomoa East NPP Rallies Behind Francis Mensah for Chairman
- Appears in: Supreme, The Ghanaian Publisher, The Custodian, The Metro Lens
- Summary: The Gomoa East Constituency of the NPP is rallying to elect Francis Mensah as the next Constituency Chairman. This grassroots movement is a major story across multiple papers.
5. Azumah Resources Denies Reversal of Black Volta Project Ownership
- Appears in: News Centa, The Chronicle, Daily Guide
- Summary: Azumah Resources Ghana Ltd has refuted false media reports claiming that an ICC ruling reversed the acquisition of the Black Volta project. They insist they still own the project, calling the reports “a big lie.”
6. Amankwaa Donates GHC 100,000 Seed Fund to Ayawaso West NPP
- Appears in: Supreme, News Centa
- Summary: Samuel Owusu Amankwaa has donated GHC 100,000 as a seed fund to the Ayawaso West Wuogon NPP constituency ahead of the election of new executives.
7. North Dayi Boils Over: “Joycelyn Must Go” Protests
- Appears in: Supreme
- Summary: Residents of North Dayi are up in arms, with protests erupting under the banner “Joycelyn Must Go.” The protesters are chanting “Enough is Enough” over local grievances.
8. NHIA Cracks Down on Illegal Charges in Eastern Region
- Appears in: The Metro Lens
- Summary: The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has launched a crackdown on illegal charges being imposed on patients in the Eastern Region. The NHIA Boss is leading the effort.
9. $208m Methamphetamine Scandal
- Appears in: The Ghanaian Publisher, The Custodian
- Summary: An MP is demanding the prosecution of officials involved in a $208 million methamphetamine scandal. There are also calls for the government to name officials implicated, with accusations of a cover-up.
10. National Sanitation Exercise and Flood Recovery Clean-Up
- Appears in: Supreme, The Punch, The New Publisher, News Centa
- Summary: A nationwide clean-up exercise is underway to aid flood recovery, with various political figures and MCEs rallying residents to participate. The exercise is scheduled for the weekend, with a focus on recovery from recent floods.
Ghana News
President Mahama Backs Tighter Checks on His Own Office in Upcoming Constitution Vote
President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana’s Cabinet will meet on Friday, July 10, 2026, to finalise the government’s position paper on constitutional reform.
The process is expected to recommend significant curbs on executive power, including tighter checks on the presidency itself.
The reforms stem from a year-long nationwide consultation conducted by the eight-member Constitutional Review Committee (CRC), chaired by Professor Henry Kwasi Prempeh, which submitted its final report to the President in December 2025.
The committee’s report, titled “Transforming Ghana: From Electoral Democracy to Developmental Democracy,” addressed perennial governance challenges and recommended measures to strengthen institutional checks and balances.
Speaking at the Jubilee House on Tuesday during a farewell ceremony for Switzerland’s outgoing Ambassador to Ghana, Simone Giger, President Mahama confirmed that significant progress had been made.
“I am pleased to inform you that we have made significant progress. Cabinet is scheduled to meet on Friday to finalise the Government’s Position Paper on the Constitutional Review,” President Mahama said.
He explained that once Cabinet concludes its work, the Legal Counsel and the Attorney-General would take one or two weeks to consolidate the document. It would then be handed over, together with the CRC’s report, to the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee to begin implementation.
President Mahama described the 1992 Constitution as one of the finest Ghana has ever had, noting that it had provided the foundation for the Fourth Republic — the longest-serving republic in the country’s history.
“We therefore believe that any amendments to the Constitution should strengthen it further and ensure that it remains a living document capable of serving Ghana effectively for the next three decades and beyond,” he said.
The Constitutional Review Committee’s recommendations are understood to include proposals to separate the Executive from the Legislature — preventing Members of Parliament from being appointed as ministers — as well as measures to decentralise power and enhance accountability.
The committee also recommended amendments to Chapter 25 of the Constitution to introduce a third route for amending entrenched provisions.
Ambassador Giger, who has supported the constitutional reform process throughout her four-year tenure in Ghana, welcomed the progress.
“We have always rooted for Ghana because we genuinely believe that constitutional reform is central to the country’s future development,” she said, adding, “If Ghana succeeds in adopting a truly people’s constitution, one that decentralises power, strengthens checks and balances on the Executive, and incorporates the many important reforms currently under consideration, I believe the future of this country will be exceptionally bright.”
President Mahama also used the occasion to acknowledge Switzerland’s support for Ghana’s small and medium enterprises, particularly in agro-processing and agribusiness, an area he described as one of the missing links in the country’s agricultural value chain.
The constitutional review process, initiated in 2025, follows two previous attempts that failed to build sufficient consensus for significant change.
The government has pledged to establish the Constitutional Review Implementation Committee to oversee the roll-out of the reforms.
Once the position paper is finalised and consolidated, it will be made public and subjected to the necessary constitutional and parliamentary scrutiny.
-
Ghana News19 hours agoGhana’s Nationwide Flood Clean-Up Kicks Off with Slow Start
-
Ghana News2 days agoTop 10 Newspaper Front Page Headlines Today: Thursday, July 9, 2026
-
Ghana News2 days ago75 Bank Staff Dismissed as Fraud Surges, Safo Kantanka Left Huge Portions of His Wealth to Maids, and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today
-
Homes & Real Estate19 hours agoGhana’s Rising Home Prices: Bubble or the Cost of a Growing Nation?
-
Ghana News2 days agoPresident Mahama Backs Tighter Checks on His Own Office in Upcoming Constitution Vote
-
Fashion & Style2 days agoTiwa Savage Turns a London Sidewalk Into Africa’s Latest Fashion Stage
-
Health & Wellness2 days agoThe Case for Lifting Weights During Pregnancy Is Stronger Than Ever
-
Arts and GH Heritage1 day agoA Few Drops, Many Generations: The Enduring Meaning of Libation
