Singapore’s passport ranked best in the world, Ghana Trails Peers | By David Kwakutse & Dominick Andoh | Singapore continues to dominate the global mobility landscape, securing the #1 spot on the latest Henley Passport Index with visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations out of 226 worldwide.
Other notable strong passports, according to the index, include Japan & South Korea in 2nd position, Finland/Denmark/ France /Germany/ Ireland / Spain/Italy (3rd) and Netherlands/Norway/Portugal/Luxembourg (4th).
The UK passport (6th position) ranked higher than Canada (8th) and the USA (10th)
The ranking, based on timely data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), underscores Singapore’s unparalleled global connectivity and diplomacy-anchored travel freedom.
The Henley Passport Index uses a straightforward methodology: each destination allowing entry without a prior visa earns a score of 1; requiring a visa in advance earns a score of 0. The total score is the number of accessible destinations—normalised to indicate passport strength.
Where Ghana Stands
In contrast, Ghana’s passport ranks 71st, granting access to 67 countries visa-free or with visa-on-arrival. Countries such as Kenya, Gambia, Malawi and Botswana have stronger passports than Ghana.
Kenya’s passport is ranked 69th with access to 71 destinations; Botswana 59th with access to 85 destinations; Gambia (69th) with access to 71 destinations; and Malawi, 67th, with access to 73 destinations
Why Passport Strength Matters
A strong passport translates into multiple benefits including: Increased tourism and business travel, driving economic growth; Faster visa processing, reducing friction for travellers; Enhanced national image, signaling diplomatic goodwill and mobility freedom; Greater access to education, healthcare, and trade opportunities, as easier border access attracts investment and cultural exchange.
Closing the Gap for Ghana
While Ghana enjoys cultural appeal and Pan-African goodwill, its relatively restrictive visa policies may hinder its ability to compete with more open regional counterparts.
If Ghana aspires to be a premier travel destination and aviation hub, policymakers should explore visa-on-arrival and e-Visa schemes, and deepen bilateral agreements that simplify cross-border movement.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, passport strength is no longer just a symbol of national pride—it’s a strategic tool for growth.
Ghana’s journey toward enhancing travel freedom begins by learning from top-ranking peers and championing policy reforms that reflect global mobility trends.
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