Ghana has unveiled a new visa-free travel policy for all African passport holders, effective January 1, 2025.
Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the initiative during his farewell address to parliament on Friday, just days before the end of his tenure on January 6.
“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 stated.
Aligning with Continental Goals
The president highlighted that the policy aligns with the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the largest trading bloc globally. He emphasized its importance in advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a fully integrated and interconnected Africa by 2063.
“This step is vital for realizing the AU’s Agenda 2063, which promotes integration and connectivity across the continent,” he said.
Ghana Joins Visa-Free Movement
Ghana now joins Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin as African countries offering visa-free entry to travelers from across the continent.
Previously, Ghana granted visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations, offered visas on arrival to 25 others, and required pre-entry visas for only two countries — Eritrea and Morocco.
Building on Ghana’s Global Image
The visa-free policy further cements Ghana’s reputation as a welcoming destination, building on efforts like the 2019 “Year of Return” campaign. The initiative commemorated 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade, attracted thousands of visitors, including international celebrities, and enhanced Ghana’s status as a cultural and tourism hub.
This policy is expected to bolster Ghana’s role in fostering African unity and promoting cross-border collaboration across the continent.
