Mahama Launches Ghana’s First E-Visa Portal as Government Defends Controversial NITA Bill

In a major move toward digital transformation, President John Dramani Mahama has officially launched Ghana’s first electronic visa (e-Visa) service portal, signaling a modernization of the country’s immigration and border management systems. The initiative, unveiled on May 25, 2026, replaces the previous visa-on-arrival system for African passport holders. Under the new framework, African citizens traveling for business or tourism can apply for visas online without fees, with a government promise of processing decisions within 48 hours. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Interior Minister Mohammed Muntaka Mubarak emphasized that the platform will enhance national security through pre-arrival screenings while positioning Ghana as a central hub for Pan-African integration and investment.

Complementing these immigration reforms, President Mahama also announced significant upgrades to aviation security at Kotoka International Airport. Starting in August 2026, passengers will no longer be required to remove shoes and belts during security screenings due to the installation of advanced 3D scanning technology in Terminals 2 and 3. These scanners will allow travelers to keep liquids and laptops in their hand luggage, a move intended to reduce checkpoint delays and improve the overall passenger experience. The President noted that these improvements are part of a broader strategy to establish Ghana as the premier aviation gateway in West Africa, facilitating smoother travel for the expected influx of tourists and business professionals.

However, the government’s digital agenda faces significant pushback from the tech ecosystem regarding the proposed National Information Technology Agency (NITA) Bill. The bill seeks to transition NITA from a coordinating body into a powerful independent regulator with the authority to issue mandatory licenses for ICT professionals and businesses. Critics, including policy analyst Bright Simons and various tech innovators, warn that the bill’s broad definitions and citizen-only ownership requirements could stifle innovation, deter foreign investment, and potentially criminalize young developers who operate without government certification. Opponents have called for the bill to be scrapped or significantly redesigned to focus on procurement and local support rather than over-regulation.

In response to the growing backlash, the Ministry of Communication and Digital Technology has defended NITA’s current regulatory actions, asserting they are grounded in existing legislation from 2008 and 2025. Minister Samuel Nartey George dismissed claims of regulatory overreach, challenging critics to identify specific unlawful enforcement actions. To address industry concerns, the Ministry and NITA scheduled an X Spaces discussion for late May 2026 to engage stakeholders directly. As Ghana navigates this dual path of facilitating digital access through e-visas while tightening domestic tech oversight, the balance between national security, revenue collection, and fostering a free-market innovation environment remains a central point of political and economic debate.