NAIROBI, Kenya- Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo has officially implemented a visa-free entry policy for all African nationals, effective from the beginning of the year.
This move cements Ghana’s commitment to Pan-African unity and economic collaboration, aligning with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s largest trade bloc.
In his final State of the Nation address on Friday, Akufo-Addo described the policy as the “logical next step” in fostering stronger regional ties.
Ghana Joins a Growing List of Open-Door Nations
With this bold step, Ghana becomes the fifth African country to offer visa-free access to all African passport holders, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin.
Last year, Ghana ranked fifth in Africa for visa openness, already allowing visa-free entry for citizens of 26 African nations. Now, that privilege extends to the entire continent.
For years, visa restrictions have been a barrier to seamless intra-African travel, hindering both tourism and business. By eliminating these hurdles, Ghana is positioning itself as a gateway for African travelers, investors, and those in the diaspora seeking to reconnect with their roots.
Beyond Travel: A Strategic Economic Play
This policy isn’t just about convenience—it’s a calculated move to boost Ghana’s economy and tourism sector.
The country has actively marketed itself as a hub for African heritage tourism, most notably with the Year of Return initiative in 2019, which encouraged people of African descent to visit, invest, and even settle in Ghana.
Despite economic challenges in recent years, Akufo-Addo insists that Ghana is back on track. “Growth has returned to the pre-Covid trajectory,” he told lawmakers, adding that he leaves behind a nation that is “thriving.”
With Akufo-Addo stepping down after two terms, Ghana is set for a leadership transition. His party’s chosen successor, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, suffered a major defeat in last month’s election, losing to John Mahama, who will be sworn in on Tuesday.
As Ghana turns a new political page, one thing is certain: its visa-free policy is a game-changer for African travel, setting the stage for deeper economic and cultural ties across the continent.
