In a historic move, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has approved visa-free entry into Ghana for all African nationals, fulfilling a key promise made earlier this year.
This groundbreaking policy, slated to take effect before the end of his term on January 6, 2025, is designed to enhance regional integration and facilitate easier movement across the continent.
The announcement was made during President Akufo-Addo’s final state-of-the-nation address to parliament. Expressing pride in the milestone, he declared:
“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, with effect from the beginning of this year.”
This bold step places Ghana among a select group of African nations—Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin; that offer visa-free access to all African passport holders. The initiative is expected to strengthen the movement of people, goods, and services while fostering deeper economic ties under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Akufo-Addo also highlighted the alignment of this policy with the broader goals of AfCFTA, which seeks to create a unified continental market for goods and services. He remarked:
“This is the logical next step to the African Continental Free Trade Area and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world.”
A long-time advocate for regional unity, President Akufo-Addo has consistently emphasized the hurdles many Africans face in traveling within the continent. During his address under the theme “Developing Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, and Trade,” he pointedly observed:
“Many of you had to acquire a visa to attend this event.”
Prior to this sweeping reform, Ghana allowed visa-free entry for citizens of 26 African nations and visas on arrival for 25 others. Only travelers from Eritrea and Morocco required visas before arrival. This new policy signifies a monumental shift in Ghana’s approach to regional cooperation.
The decision also builds on initiatives like the Year of Return in 2019, which celebrated the African diaspora and commemorated 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade. This campaign boosted Ghana’s profile as a global hub for culture and tourism, attracting thousands of visitors, including celebrities, and even granting some citizenship.
Expected Impact on AfCFTA
Visa-free travel is anticipated to significantly impact AfCFTA’s objectives by enabling businesses to operate more fluidly across member states. With reduced barriers to mobility, this policy is expected to amplify trade relations and promote economic growth throughout Africa.
Implementation Timeline
The visa-free policy will officially be in effect before President Akufo-Addo’s term concludes on January 6, 2025. Preparations for its rollout include public awareness campaigns and enhanced training for border control agencies to manage the anticipated rise in cross-border travel.
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