Ghana announces a visa-free entry policy for all African nations, set to launch in January 2025. The policy aims to enhance unity, promote tourism, and foster regional cooperation, making Ghana the fifth African country to offer such access.
On Thursday, December 26, 2024, the Ghanaian government unveiled its plans to implement a visa-free entry policy for nationals of all African countries. The move, announced by outgoing President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, is designed to promote unity and ease of travel across the continent. This decision fulfills a promise made earlier this year, and it is set to be fully implemented before the President's term ends on January 7, 2025.
With this policy, Ghana joins countries like Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin in offering visa-free access to African passport holders, becoming the fifth African nation to do so. Ghana had previously allowed citizens from 26 African nations to enter without a visa, while nationals from 25 other countries were eligible for visas on arrival. The new policy removes the remaining barriers and strengthens Ghana's position as a leader in promoting free movement across Africa.
This policy is in line with Ghana’s broader regional integration goals and the African Union's agenda for economic cooperation, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). President Akufo-Addo also emphasized that the visa exemption would encourage tourism and create economic opportunities. Despite these strides, challenges remain in many African countries, where stringent visa policies hinder travel, trade, and cultural exchange.
