Ghana, Slovakia consider visa waiver deal for diplomatic, service passport holders

Ghana and the Slovak Republic are exploring a visa waiver agreement for holders of diplomatic and service passports as part of efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.

The proposal was discussed when Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa received the open letters of Slovakia’s non-resident Ambassador-Designate to Ghana, Martin Podstavek, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra on Monday, November 9.

According to the Ministry, the two countries also expressed interest in expanding cooperation in the automotive industry, electric vehicles, banking, pharmaceuticals, mass transportation, defence and security.

Okudzeto Ablakwa said Ghana was ready to deepen its relations with Slovakia, particularly in areas that could promote economic growth and strengthen bilateral cooperation.

For his part, Mr Podstavek described Ghana as an important partner and called for stronger political and economic consultations between the two countries.

He also proposed a review of existing bilateral agreements to ensure they reflect the changing needs of the partnership.

The Slovak ambassador-designate further announced plans for a Ghana-Slovak Business Forum to be held in Slovakia this year and called for increased participation by Ghanaian businesses.

He expressed hope that Ghana would host a similar business forum in 2027.