The government of Ghana has been urged to introduce an E-visa system to make it easier for people in the diaspora to visit the country. This call was made during the “Beyond the Horizon” summit in Accra, where experts came together to discuss how to improve the Year of Return programme.
The Year of Return, launched in 2019, marked 400 years since the first enslaved Africans were taken to the United States. It has brought many people from the diaspora to Ghana to reconnect with their roots. However, one of the major challenges has been the difficulties people face when applying for visas to enter the country.
At the summit, panelists said an E-visa system would make the process simpler and faster for visitors especially under the Year of Return programme. Adopting an E-visa will help remove the frustrations diaspora visitors face when trying to travel to Ghana, they shared.
The call for an E-visa is just one of the suggestions made to improve the programme. Other issues raised included high hotel prices, problems with buying land, and the lack of financial support for diaspora investors.
Akwasi Agyeman, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, said the Year of Return had been a success so far but needs better planning for the future. “The Year of Return has served its purpose, but it is time to develop clear guidelines and policies to ensure continuity and long-term success,” he said.
The Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, Mark Okraku-Mantey, also said that the next government should look at improving the programme to make it even better.
As Ghana continues to welcome people from the diaspora, introducing an E-visa system could make travel easier, attract more visitors, and encourage investments in tourism and other industries. This change would help the programme achieve its goal of connecting people culturally and boosting Ghana’s economy.
By addressing these issues, Ghana can ensure that the Year of Return becomes a lasting success, benefiting both the country and the diaspora.
