Ghana Introduces Visa-Free Travel for African Passport Holders, Advancing Continental Integration
Ghana’s outgoing President, Nana Akufo-Addo, announced visa-free travel for all African passport holders starting this year, marking a significant step toward African economic integration. The announcement was made during his final state of the nation address on Friday as he prepares to step down on January 6 after serving two terms in office.
“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, effective from the beginning of this year,” Akufo-Addo said in his address to parliament. He emphasized the alignment of this policy with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Ghana, and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a connected and integrated Africa.
Ghana now joins countries like Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin in offering visa-free entry to African travelers. Previously, Ghana allowed visa-free access to citizens from 26 African nations and issued visas on arrival for travelers from 25 others, with only two African countries—Eritrea and Morocco—requiring visas before entry.
The new visa-free policy builds on Ghana’s efforts to enhance its international standing, including initiatives like the 2019 Year of Return, which commemorated 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade and celebrated the African diaspora. The campaign drew thousands of visitors, including prominent figures, boosting Ghana’s global reputation as a cultural and tourism hub.
In his final address, Akufo-Addo also highlighted Ghana’s economic progress under his leadership. He cited an increase in gross international reserves to $8 billion from $6.2 billion in 2017 and projected a 6.3% GDP growth rate for 2025.
“Economic growth has returned to the pre-COVID trajectory,” he said. “I leave behind a Ghana that is thriving, one that has navigated significant global challenges with remarkable tenacity, whose economy is steadily rebounding, and whose institutions are operating effectively.”
Despite these achievements, Ghana has faced economic challenges, including one of its worst crises in decades since 2022. The country is currently under a $3-billion International Monetary Fund relief program.
Akufo-Addo will hand over power to John Mahama, who won the December elections, as Ghana continues its tradition of stable democratic transitions.
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