Mahama directs full automation of work and residence permit processing
President John Dramani Mahama has directed the Ministry of the Interior and key state institutions to begin the full automation of Ghana’s work permit and residence permit application processes following the launch of the country’s first electronic visa platform.
Speaking at the official launch of the E-Visa service on Monday, President Mahama said Ghana must move away from traditional paper-based systems and adopt a modern electronic permitting platform to improve efficiency and attract investment.
According to him, the successful rollout of the E-Visa platform, built on the Advance Passenger Information and Passenger Name Record (API/PNR) system, provides a strong foundation for expanding digital immigration services.
“I hereby ask the Minister of Interior, via the Ghana Immigration Service, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, the Ministry of Transport and service providers, to expand this platform to cover the full automation process for the issuance of work permits and residence permits,” he stated.
President Mahama noted that the proposed e-permitting system would significantly reduce processing times, eliminate physical bureaucracy, strengthen regulatory compliance, and improve the overall ease of doing business in Ghana.
He added that the initiative is expected to boost foreign direct investment by making Ghana’s immigration and business processes more efficient and transparent.
The E-Visa platform allows travelers to apply for visas online, upload supporting documents electronically, make secure digital payments, and receive travel authorization digitally without visiting Ghanaian embassies or consulates.
