The visa waiver agreement between Ghana and South Africa has led to a massive boom in travel, with 38,521 Ghanaians visiting South Africa between April 2024 and March 2025 for tourism, business, and medical purposes. This figure far exceeded projections by the South African High Commission, which had anticipated about 18,590 visitors within the same period.
The results represent an impressive 207.20 percent increase, a success attributed to the visa-free policy that took effect on November 1, 2023. Acting South African High Commissioner to Ghana, Thando Dalamba, confirmed in an interview with the Daily Graphic that the surge reflects the deepening relationship and cooperation between the two nations.
“After the visa-free regime came into effect, the number of Ghanaians travelling to South Africa just spiked. In 2024 alone, about 13,000 Ghanaians visited South Africa,” Dalamba said.
While celebrating the success of the initiative, the diplomat noted that the flow of visitors is largely one-sided, as significantly fewer South Africans are travelling to Ghana. “Our Minister of Tourism visited Ghana earlier this year and emphasized the need to increase the number of South Africans visiting Ghana,” Dalamba revealed.
He explained that talks are ongoing between tourism authorities and industry players from both countries to position Ghana as a top destination for South African tourists. Popular events like ‘December in Ghana’, formerly known as Afrochella, already attract 2,500 to 3,000 South Africans annually, mostly for cultural and entertainment experiences.
Beyond tourism, the envoy also highlighted the growth of medical tourism, with more Ghanaians choosing South Africa for advanced yet affordable healthcare. “For treatments that used to take Ghanaians to India, Turkey, or the U.S., they are now opting for South Africa. It’s more affordable and the quality of care is excellent,” he said.
Dalamba added that both governments are working closely to streamline administrative and logistical processes in medical tourism to make access even easier.
He further revealed ongoing efforts to revive the 2012 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Arts and Culture between Ghana and South Africa, expanding it to include wider collaboration in the creative industries. In March 2023, both countries also signed a programme of cooperation outlining key areas for partnership in tourism over a three to five-year period.
“With the festive season approaching, South Africa becomes very vibrant. Our cuisine, festivals, and culture make it a top destination for Ghanaians seeking unforgettable experiences. We encourage them to keep exploring South Africa,” Dalamba said.
Leave a comment