In a landmark decision, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted executive approval for visa-free entry to Ghana for all African nationals, effective January 1, 2025.
This move is a fulfillment of his promise made during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD 2024) in January 2024 and is aimed at boosting economic integration and the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent.
Ghana joins an exclusive club of African countries, including Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin, that offer visa-free entry to all African passport holders.
This policy is expected to drive the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promote economic growth, trade, and cultural exchange among African nations.
The decision is also seen as a significant step towards realizing the African Union’s vision of a borderless Africa, a goal first articulated by Ghana’s founding leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
By opening its borders to African nationals, Ghana is setting a progressive example for other countries to follow.
In his APD 2024 keynote address, President Akufo-Addo emphasized Ghana’s commitment to the visa-free initiative, stating, “Many of you had to acquire a visa to attend this event… The government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free travel for all Africans, and the process has begun to implement the policy this year”.
The policy is expected to facilitate business, tourism, and cultural exchange across the continent, and is a testament to Ghana’s leadership in African unity and integration.
-BY Daniel Bampoe