Ghana's Outgoing President Announces Visa-Free Entry For African Passport Holders
On Friday, Ghana’s outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo made a historic announcement regarding visa-free travel for all African passport holders, effective from the start of this year. This significant move is seen as a vital step toward achieving greater economic integration across the continent.
The announcement was made during Akufo-Addo's final state of the nation address as he prepares to conclude his presidency on January 6, after serving two full terms in office. In his address to parliament, he stated, “I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, with effect from the beginning of this year.”
He further elaborated, “This is the logical next step towards the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world.” This initiative is expected to facilitate trade and movement across Africa, promoting economic collaboration among nations. Akufo-Addo also emphasized that this policy aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a fully integrated and connected Africa by the year 2063. Ghana now joins the ranks of countries such as Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin, which also offer visa-free entry to African travelers. Previously, Ghana allowed visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations and provided visas on arrival for travelers from 25 additional countries.
Notably, only two African nations—Eritrea and Morocco—required a visa prior to entry. This new visa-free policy is a continuation of Ghana's commitment to enhancing its international standing, particularly through initiatives like the 2019 Year of Return. This campaign celebrated the African diaspora and marked 400 years since the onset of the transatlantic slave trade, attracting thousands of visitors, including high-profile celebrities, to the country and leading to various individuals obtaining citizenship. This initiative has played a significant role in bolstering Ghana’s global profile as a cultural and tourism hub. In addition to the visa announcement, Akufo-Addo took the opportunity to highlight the economic achievements of his administration. He noted an increase in Ghana’s gross international reserves, which rose to $8 billion from $6.2 billion in 2017, alongside substantial GDP growth projected for 2024. “Economic growth has returned to the pre-COVID trajectory,” he remarked, forecasting a growth rate of 6.3 percent for 2025.
“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,” he stated confidently. Ghana, rich in oil and gold, is recognized as one of the most stable democracies in Africa. However, since 2022, the nation has been grappling with one of its worst economic crises in decades and is currently under a $3 billion relief program from the International Monetary Fund. As Akufo-Addo steps down, he will hand over power to John Mahama, who emerged victorious in the December elections.
