The Ghana Tourism Federation (GHATOF) is asking government to review Ghana's $260 e-visa fee. The Federation warns that the cost could put off international visitors and slow down efforts to grow the tourism industry.
In an interview with Citi News, the President of GHATOF, Mr. Seth Ocran, described the e-visa system as a positive reform. His concern is the price, along with the fact that the visa is single-entry, which puts Ghana at a disadvantage compared to its neighbours.
"The concept is great. It removes the burden of travelling to high commissions and embassies for visas. However, we think the cost is too high," he said.
The Numbers Matter
Mr. Ocran explained that a family of four would pay more than $1,000 in visa fees alone. Several competing destinations in the sub-region charge between $50 and $60.
He believes a review of the fee, together with more accessible multiple-entry visas, could help lift tourist arrivals from about 1.2 to 1.3 million to 2 million.
Sending Tourism Home
The President also spoke about the World Tourism Day theme, "Digital Agenda and Artificial Intelligence to Redesign Tourism," and proposed virtual tourism experiences that would let people around the world explore Ghana's culture and heritage from wherever they are.
"It's not everyone that can go to a particular tourist site. How do we use digitalisation in sending tourism home to those who cannot make it here?" he asked.
He said these experiences could especially benefit members of the African diaspora looking to reconnect with their heritage. They would also show Ghana's culture, food and investment opportunities to a global audience.
Tourism as Business
Mr. Ocran welcomed the collaboration between the World Tourism Day celebrations and the Eastern Expo. He called it a good example of how tourism can drive investment and commerce, and not only sightseeing.
He reminded stakeholders that tourism supports hundreds of thousands of jobs, both directly and indirectly. He urged policymakers to work more closely with industry players so that the sector's full economic potential can be unlocked.
Source: Marketing & PR Desk, GHATOF
Also reported by: Citi Newsroom: "Ghana Tourism Federation urges review of $260 e-visa fee to boost arrivals" (28 September 2026)