President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has made a landmark decision to approve visa-free entry to Ghana for all African nationals, a move aimed at fostering deeper economic and cultural ties across the continent.
The executive approval, granted on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, positions Ghana alongside Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin as one of the few African nations offering unrestricted entry to all holders of African passports.
This bold policy fulfills President Akufo-Addo’s pledge at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD 2024) in January, where he promised to eliminate visa barriers for citizens of African nations traveling to Ghana. The initiative aligns with Ghana’s commitment to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to enhance the free movement of people, goods, and services to accelerate economic integration and growth across the continent.
“Many of you had to acquire a visa to attend this event,” President Akufo-Addo remarked in his keynote address at APD 2024, themed “Developing Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, and Trade.” He reassured attendees that Ghana’s visa-free policy for Africans was underway, emphasizing its potential to strengthen ties and drive the AfCFTA agenda.
The visa-free entry policy is set to take effect before President Akufo-Addo’s term concludes on January 6, 2025.
The decision marks a significant milestone for Ghana, reflecting its leadership in advancing Pan-African unity and collaboration. By opening its borders to all Africans, Ghana signals its dedication to creating a continent without artificial barriers, fostering opportunities for trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.
This initiative underscores the nation’s role as a key player in shaping Africa’s collective future, reaffirming its commitment to a prosperous and integrated continent.
