"Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, Ghana, showcasing fountains, statues, and the mausoleum surrounded by palm trees. Ghana approves visa-free travel for all Africans with Lery Hago Travels."

Ghana approves visa-free travel for all Africans

President Nana Akufo-Addo, the outgoing leader of Ghana, has officially approved visa-free travel for all Africans visiting the country. This groundbreaking policy was announced during his final presidential address to Parliament last week.

“This is about building stronger ties across Africa,” Akufo-Addo stated, emphasising the importance of pan-African unity. He also revealed that the new visa-free policy took effect at the start of the year.

The announcement fulfils a promise made by Akufo-Addo during the 2024 Africa Prosperity Dialogues, where he committed to fostering closer ties among African nations through open borders and easier travel.

What this means for African travellers

While specific details of the policy are still emerging, it is expected that travellers holding African passports can now visit Ghana without obtaining a visa. Ghana already grants visa-free entry to citizens of ECOWAS countries for up to 90 days as part of the regional agreement. With this new policy, the visa-free privilege will extend to the entire African continent.

Ghana joins the ranks of countries like Benin, Rwanda, The Gambia, and Seychelles, which have opened their borders to all Africans. This move positions Ghana as a leader in promoting pan-Africanism and unity among nations.

Ghana’s pan-African legacy

Under President Akufo-Addo’s leadership, Ghana has positioned itself as a beacon of pan-Africanism, not only by fostering unity among African nations but also by connecting with Africans in the diaspora. Initiatives such as the Year of Return in 2019 and beyond have drawn global attention to Ghana’s commitment to uniting Africans worldwide.

Visa-free travel for Africans is another step toward realising the dream of a more interconnected continent. It aligns with the vision of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), which seeks to create a single market for goods and services across Africa. However, challenges in implementing such agreements, including logistical, political, and infrastructural roadblocks, remain significant hurdles.

A step closer to free movement across Africa

The dream of a borderless Africa, where Africans can move freely across the continent, has long been a goal for advocates of pan-Africanism. As Ghana takes this bold step, many are watching to see if other nations will follow suit.

While the journey toward seamless travel across Africa is far from complete, Ghana’s policy marks a significant milestone. It’s a reminder that the vision of a united Africa is achievable, one step at a time.