Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo announced on Friday that, starting from the beginning of this year, all African passport holders will enjoy visa-free travel to Ghana.
This move is a significant step towards greater economic integration across the continent.
The announcement was made during Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation address, as he prepares to step down on January 6 after completing two terms in office.
He expressed pride in the decision, noting that it would contribute to the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s largest trading bloc.
“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, with effect from the beginning of this year,” President Akufo-Addo declared during his speech to parliament.
The President added that the move was a logical progression towards achieving the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a more integrated and connected Africa by the year 2063.
He emphasised that the policy would further cement Ghana’s role as a key player in fostering continental unity and cooperation.
This new policy aligns Ghana with several other African nations, including Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin, which have already implemented visa-free entry for African travellers. Prior to this, Ghana had already extended visa-free access to citizens of 26 African countries and offered visas on arrival to travellers from 25 others. Only Eritrea and Morocco had previously required a visa before entry.
The introduction of visa-free travel is also part of Ghana’s broader efforts to strengthen its international profile, particularly through initiatives such as the 2019 Year of Return. This campaign, which marked 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade, celebrated the African diaspora and attracted thousands of visitors, including celebrities.
It resulted in some visitors even receiving citizenship, further bolstering Ghana’s status as a cultural and tourism hub on the continent.
As Ghana sets the stage for this new chapter, the visa-free policy signals the country’s commitment to a united and prosperous Africa, helping to pave the way for greater collaboration, trade, and travel across the continent.
