Ghanaian President Nana Addo Akufo-Addo announced on Friday that visa-free travel is available for citizens of all African nations. The decision cements Ghana’s position as a leader in promoting regional integration and unity across the continent.
This comes days before the inauguration of the government of President-elect John Mahama on January 7.
Previously, Ghana offered visa-free travel to citizens of 26 African nations, while another 25 countries were granted visas on arrival. Only visitors from two African nations were required to secure a visa before their journey.
Now, Ghana has become the fifth African country, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin to open their borders to all African passport holders.
This move is more than just a policy change; it’s a commitment to enhancing Africa’s economic, cultural, and social ties.
President Akufo-Addo described the decision as a step towards “building stronger ties across Africa,” emphasising that Ghana’s prosperity is intrinsically linked to a united continent.
The visa-free policy aligns seamlessly with the African Union’s vision for greater economic integration, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Ghana. Experts have long pointed out that restrictive visa policies have been a significant obstacle to intra-African trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
By eliminating these barriers, Ghana is poised to become a hub for African travel and commerce. The move is expected to increase cross-border trade, attract more tourists, and strengthen cultural connections between African nations.
Ghana’s efforts to foster unity don’t end with visa-free travel. The Ghana Tourism Authority actively engages with the African diaspora through its “Beyond the Return” initiative. Building on the success of the earlier “Year of Return” campaign, this programme aims to deepen cultural and economic ties with the diaspora.
As part of this initiative, a Non-Pre-Approval Visa policy will be in effect from December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025. This short-term policy is designed to encourage more tourists and investors to connect with Ghana, further boosting the country’s role as a gateway to Africa.
