On Friday, Ghana’s outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo declared that, starting this year, all African passport holders will enjoy visa-free travel.
This move is seen as a significant step towards enhancing economic integration across the continent.
The announcement was made during his final state of the nation address as he prepares to leave office on January 6, after serving two terms.
“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, with effect from the beginning of this year,” Akufo-Addo said in his speech to parliament.
“This is the logical next step to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world,” he said
“All these are essential elements to the realisation of the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisages an integrated and connected Africa by 2063,” he added, referring to the African Union’s development blueprint for a 50-year period.
Previously, Ghana had granted visa-free access to citizens from 26 African countries and offered visas on arrival for travelers from 25 others. Only two African nations, Eritrea and Morocco, required a visa for entry.
The new visa-free policy builds on Ghana’s efforts to enhance its global standing, including initiatives like the 2019 Year of Return, which celebrated the African diaspora and marked 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade.
The campaign attracted thousands of visitors, including celebrities, and even led to some individuals being granted citizenship, further elevating the country’s reputation as a cultural and tourism hub.
Ghana joins Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia and Benin in offering visa-free entry to African travellers.
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