President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has approved visa-free entry for all African nationals to Ghana, fulfilling a promise made earlier this year. The move, which will take effect before the end of Akufo-Addo’s term in January 2025, is aimed at improving the free movement of people, goods, and services across the African continent.

The policy, which received executive approval on December 18, 2024, is part of Ghana’s commitment to enhancing regional integration and aligns with the African Union’s vision of economic unity. Ghana now joins Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin as the only African nations offering visa-free entry to all African passport holders.

Announcing the move at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues in January 2024, President Akufo-Addo reiterated Ghana’s support for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a key step towards creating the world’s largest single market. “The government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free travel for all Africans,” he said.

The policy aims to boost business, tourism, and cultural exchange, with the potential to drive greater collaboration between African governments and businesses. The Ghana Immigration Service has been tasked with preparing for the policy’s implementation, expected to begin on January 1, 2025.

Critics of restrictive visa policies in other African countries, including business magnate Aliko Dangote, have long highlighted the challenges of cross-border travel in Africa. Dangote, who has faced the complexities of securing visas for business across the continent, praised Ghana’s initiative as a significant step towards greater ease of movement for African entrepreneurs.

Ghana, which hosts the AfCFTA Secretariat, has long championed the vision of a borderless Africa, a goal first articulated by the nation’s founding leader, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

Source:TheDotNews