Ghana Introduces Visa-Free Access for All African Nationals
In a landmark move to foster pan-African unity and economic cooperation, Ghana has officially opened its borders to visa-free travel for all African passport holders.
Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo confirmed the implementation of this policy, which took effect at the start of the year, during his final state-of-the-nation address on Friday.
“This is the logical next step to the African Continental Free Trade Area and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world,” Akufo-Addo stated, highlighting its alignment with pan-African goals. The initiative also makes Ghana the fifth African country to adopt this measure, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin.
Ghana, which ranked fifth in Africa’s visa openness index last year, had already permitted visa-free entry to citizens of 26 African nations. This new development is expected to strengthen its appeal as a hub for African and diaspora visitors, complementing initiatives like the 2019 “Year of Return” that encouraged African descendants worldwide to reconnect with the continent.
Akufo-Addo, who is stepping down after two terms, reviewed his presidency during the address, emphasizing economic recovery post-Covid and describing Ghana as a “thriving” nation. However, his party’s candidate for the presidency, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, was defeated by John Mahama in last month’s elections.
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Ghana Introduces Visa-Free Access for All African Nationals
