Ghana Seeks Mutual Visa Deal with Egypt
Ghana’s Ambassador to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Professor Justice Solomon Korantwi-Barimah, has called for a reciprocal visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports between Ghana and Egypt to deepen bilateral relations.
Professor Korantwi-Barimah also appealed for the facilitation of appropriate work permits and residence visas for Ghanaian local staff permanently employed at Ghana’s Mission in Cairo, as they currently operate under tourist visas, hindering their duties.
The Ambassador made these proposals during a courtesy call on Egypt’s Chief of Protocol and Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador El Dessouki Youssef, in Cairo, where he presented his Open Letters.
He noted the longstanding bond of friendship and common interests between Ghana and Egypt, pioneered by Ghana’s first President Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah and Egypt’s first President Gamal Abdel Nasser, and praised their roles in African liberation, unity, and the advancement of Pan-Africanism.
Professor Korantwi-Barimah conveyed warm greetings from President John Dramani Mahama to Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi, describing relations between the two countries as special and historically rooted, dating back to the 1950s.
He highlighted recent high-level engagements between Presidents Mahama and Al-Sisi at the 7th African Union Mid-Year Coordination Meeting in Malabo and the invitation extended to President Mahama to attend the inauguration of the Grand Egyptian Museum in November 2025.
Professor Korantwi-Barimah reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to working closely with Egypt to promote peace, security, and prosperity across the continent and underscored the trade and investment opportunities available in both countries.
Ambassador El Dessouki Youssef conveyed President Al-Sisi’s appreciation for President Mahama’s participation in the opening ceremony of the Grand Egyptian Museum and assured that efforts would be made to reactivate the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation.
However, he raised concerns about the Bank of Ghana’s 2025 directive imposing a five per cent levy on foreign currency cash withdrawals, which affects the Egyptian Embassy in Accra, and cautioned that Egypt might consider reciprocal measures if the issue persists.
Ambassador Youssef advised Ghana to consider relocating its Embassy to Egypt’s New Administrative Capital, noting that land prices remain moderate but are expected to rise.
On the proposed visa waiver agreement, he said preliminary work had been undertaken and assured that the proposal would be forwarded to the appropriate Egyptian authorities.
Professor Korantwi-Barimah assured his host that the issue of the five per cent levy would be brought to the attention of Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs for an amicable resolution and reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Egypt.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
