Ghana is set to join Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia and Benin as the fifth African country to implement a visa-free entry policy for all African nationals.
The landmark policy, approved by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is expected to take effect by early 2025.
This initiative is part of Ghana’s efforts to foster greater regional integration and strengthen connections across the continent. By eliminating visa requirements for Africans, the country aims to simplify travel, enhance collaboration and promote economic growth in alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
President Akufo-Addo first announced his commitment to the policy during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues in January 2024. Emphasising the importance of free movement in achieving Africa’s development goals, he stated, “The government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free for all Africans, for all Africans travelling into our country and the process has begun to get the policy implemented this year.”
The AfCFTA, headquartered in Ghana’s capital, Accra, supports this move as a crucial step toward realising a unified African market.
Commissioner for Economic Development, Trade, Tourism, Industry and Minerals at AfCFTA, Albert Muchanga, praised the decision as a bold stride toward achieving seamless trade and mobility across the continent.
“The move removes a major nontariff barrier to intra-African trade and takes a step forward in realizing the vision of creating a single African market under the African Continental Free Trade Area, which is headquartered in Accra, Ghana,” Mr Muchanga told Asaase News.
President Akufo-Addo granted executive approval for the policy on December 18, 2024, with directives issued to key ministries to facilitate its implementation.
