In a significant move towards fostering African unity and economic integration, President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has approved visa-free travel for citizens of all African countries. This landmark policy, which was granted executive approval on December 18, 2024, will take effect in early 2025, making Ghana the fifth African nation to open its borders to all African passport holders.
This initiative is a fulfillment of President Akufo-Addo's pledge made during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2024, where he emphasized Ghana's commitment to ensuring visa-free travel for all Africans. The policy aligns with the African Union's mission to establish the world's largest single market by easing the movement of goods, services, and people across borders.
Ghana joins Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin in instituting visa-free entry for African citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, alongside the Ministry of the Interior, has commenced preparations to operationalize the policy. The Ghana Immigration Service is expected to announce the official start date, anticipated to be January 1, 2025.
The visa-free policy is seen as a major step towards addressing the travel frustrations expressed by African business leaders. Nigerian industrialist Aliko Dangote previously highlighted the burdensome process of applying for multiple visas across the continent. By implementing this policy, Ghana honors the legacy of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, its first president and a champion of African unity.
This move is expected to boost business relations, enhance tourism, and deepen cultural ties across Africa. With the removal of visa requirements, African businesses will benefit from increased access to markets, and entrepreneurs will find it easier to build connections with counterparts in neighboring countries.
As Ghana takes this significant step towards African unity, it further cements its role in Africa's economic integration and the AfCFTA's vision of a borderless continent. The country's commitment to fostering the free movement of people, goods, and services will have a ripple effect, inspiring other African nations to follow suit.
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