Ghana implements visa-free for all African nationals

In a landmark move to promote pan-African unity and economic integration, Ghana’s President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has approved visa-free travel for all African nationals.

This policy, a fulfillment of a key promise made earlier this year, positions Ghana as one of the few African nations to offer unrestricted entry to African passport holders.

The visa-free policy, which took effect at the start of 2024, was confirmed by the President during his final State of the Nation Address on Friday.

Addressing lawmakers in his last speech before stepping down on January 6, 2025, Akufo-Addo highlighted the initiative as a crucial step towards realizing the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, effective from the beginning of this year,” Akufo-Addo stated. “This is the logical next step in the workings of the African Continental Free Trade Area—the largest trading bloc in the world.”

With this policy, Ghana joins Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin in offering visa-free access to African nationals. The initiative is expected to facilitate the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent, fostering deeper economic collaboration under AfCFTA’s framework.

The policy marks a significant stride in addressing the barriers faced by African citizens traveling within the continent.

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During a previous address themed “Developing Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, and Trade,” Akufo-Addo acknowledged the challenges many Africans encounter due to visa restrictions, emphasizing the need for greater mobility to achieve AfCFTA’s objectives.

“Many of you had to acquire a visa to attend this event,” Akufo-Addo remarked, underscoring the restrictive nature of current travel policies. He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to removing these barriers and enabling seamless travel for all Africans.

The visa-free travel policy aligns with AfCFTA’s mission to create a unified market for goods and services across Africa. By easing travel restrictions, Ghana aims to stimulate intra-African trade, attract investment, and strengthen diplomatic ties with neighboring countries.

The Ghanaian government has already initiated measures to ensure the smooth rollout of the policy. Officials expect this move to enhance Ghana’s reputation as a regional leader and bolster its role in advancing Africa’s economic integration agenda.

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As Akufo-Addo prepares to leave office after eight years of service, the visa-free initiative stands as a defining achievement of his presidency, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to fostering unity and prosperity across the continent.