Ghana Joins List of African Countries Offering Visa-Free Entry
Ghana's outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced visa-free travel for all African passport holders, effective from the start of this year. This move is aimed at promoting continental economic integration and is in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union's Agenda 2063 as reported by Channels TV.
During his final state of the nation address, Akufo-Addo expressed pride in approving visa-free travel for African passport holders, stating that it is a crucial step towards achieving an integrated and connected Africa by 2063. Ghana joins a list of countries, including Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin, that offer visa-free entry to African travelers.
Previously, Ghana allowed visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations and visas on arrival for travelers from 25 others. Only two African countries, Eritrea and Morocco, required a visa before entry. This new policy is expected to strengthen Ghana's international reputation, particularly in the areas of tourism and cultural exchange.
In 2019, Ghana launched the Year of Return initiative, which celebrated the African diaspora and commemorated 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade. The campaign attracted thousands of visitors, including celebrities, and led to some receiving citizenship, bolstering Ghana's global profile as a cultural and tourism hub.
Akufo-Addo also highlighted Ghana's economic progress during his tenure, citing an increase in gross international reserves to $8 billion and significant GDP growth in 2024. He projected a 6.3-percent growth rate for 2025 and expressed confidence in leaving behind a thriving Ghana that has navigated significant global challenges.
Ghana, an oil-and-gold-rich West African nation, is one of the most stable democracies in Africa. Despite facing one of its worst economic crises in decades, the country is currently under a $3-billion International Monetary Fund relief program. Akufo-Addo will hand over power to John Mahama, who won the December elections.