Ghana Introduces Visa-Free Entry for African Passport Holders

Ghana takes a bold step towards African unity by announcing visa-free entry for all African passport holders. A move to foster regional integration and ease travel across the continent.

Ghana’s outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo announced on Friday that, starting this year, all African passport holders will be able to travel visa-free. This move marks a step toward economic integration across the continent.

He made the announcement during his final state of the nation address, as he prepares to step down on January 6 after completing two terms in office.

“I am proud to have authorized visa-free travel for all African passport holders to Ghana, effective from the start of this year,” Akufo-Addo stated in his speech to parliament.

“This represents the natural progression for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the functioning of the world’s largest trading bloc,” he stated.

He added that “all these are crucial components for achieving the AU’s Agenda 2063, which aims to create an integrated and connected Africa by that year.” This plan serves as the African Union’s development blueprint spanning a 50-year period.

Ghana, along with Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin, now offers visa-free entry to African travelers.

Ghana previously granted visa-free access to citizens of 26 African countries and provided visas on arrival for travelers from an additional 25 nations. Meanwhile, only two African countries—Eritrea and Morocco—required a pre-arranged visa for entry into Ghana.

The visa-free policy enhances Ghana’s attempts to bolster its international image, notably through initiatives such as the 2019 Year of Return. This initiative honored the African diaspora and marked 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade.

The campaign drew thousands of visitors to Ghana, including celebrities, and resulted in some being granted citizenship. This enhanced the nation’s reputation as a key cultural and tourism destination globally.

In his final address, Akufo-Addo highlighted the economic advancements achieved during his leadership, noting that Ghana’s gross international reserves rose to $8 billion from $6.2 billion in 2017 and emphasizing substantial GDP growth expected in 2024.

“Economic growth has resumed its pre-Covid path,” he stated, forecasting a 6.3% growth rate for 2025.

He stated, “I am leaving a thriving Ghana that has navigated significant global challenges with remarkable tenacity. Its economy is steadily rebounding, and its institutions are functioning effectively.”

This West African country, abundant in oil and gold resources, stands out as one of Africa’s most stable democracies.

Since 2022, the country has been grappling with one of its most severe economic crises in decades and is presently engaged in a $3-billion relief program from the International Monetary Fund.

The incumbent president transfers power to John Mahama, the winner of the December election.