Algeria and Ghana sign visa exemption agreement for diplomats

Ghana and Algeria are committed to strengthening their bilateral relations. They aim to enhance cooperation in key sectors.

This commitment follows a visit by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. He visited Algeria from April 29 to 30, 2025, at the invitation of Mr. Ahmed Attaf, Algeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister. This visit marked an important milestone in their diplomatic relations.

During his stay, Mr. Ablakwa met with President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. He delivered greetings from Ghana's President, Mr. John Dramani Mahama. High-level discussions focused on improving political, economic, and social cooperation.

A significant outcome was the signing of a mutual visa exemption agreement for diplomatic passport holders. The countries also discussed extending this privilege to ordinary passport holders.

Both Foreign Ministers agreed on priority actions moving forward. They plan to organize the 4th session of the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation in Accra before the end of 2025. This session will address cooperation projects in various strategic sectors.

These sectors include higher education, vocational training, agriculture, justice, health, transport, pharmaceuticals, agro-industry, and building materials. A Memorandum of Understanding for political consultations is expected to be signed soon.

They will also conclude ongoing negotiations on draft agreements and propose new legal instruments to strengthen their bilateral framework.

On a multilateral level, Ghana and Algeria reaffirmed their commitment to the UN Charter and African Union principles. They stressed the importance of coordinated African responses to global challenges.

The Ministers highlighted support for African solutions to African problems. They addressed the situation in the Sahel and called for comprehensive approaches beyond military interventions.

They advocated investments in development areas like education and youth employment as long-term solutions for stability in the region. Both nations pledged to intensify cooperation against terrorism and transnational crimes such as drug trafficking and arms smuggling.

Regarding Western Sahara, they reiterated support for a political resolution based on UN Security Council resolutions that ensure self-determination for Sahrawi people.

They condemned hostilities in Gaza and called for a two-state solution that guarantees Palestinian independence.

Additionally, they emphasized urgent reforms needed within the United Nations system—especially concerning fair representation for Africa in global governance.

Mr. Ablakwa thanked Algerian authorities for their hospitality during his visit. He invited Minister Attaf to visit Ghana at a mutually convenient time.