Akufo-Addo Scraps Visa Requirements for African Nationals
Accra, Ghana - Dec 26, 2024 - In a landmark move, Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has approved visa-free entry for all African nationals, effective before his term ends on January 6, 2025.
This decision fulfills his promise made during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD 2024) in January 2024, aiming to boost economic integration and free movement across the continent.
Ghana joins an exclusive group of African countries, including Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin, in offering visa-free entry to all African passport holders. This policy is expected to drive the African
President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghana's dedication to a visa-free initiative, allowing Africans to travel freely, during his keynote address at the 2024 African Prosperity Dialogues. He acknowledged the current visa requirements, noting that many attendees had to obtain visas to participate in the event.
However, he assured that the government has initiated the process to implement visa-free travel for all Africans by the end of 2024 Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) by removing barriers to trade and investment.
“Many of you had to acquire a visa to attend this event,” he said, adding that “The government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free travel for all Africans, and the process has begun to implement the policy this year.”
Akufo-Addo granted an executive approval on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.
The visa-free initiative is a significant step towards achieving the AfCFTA's objectives, which include creating a unified market across the continent, fostering economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and eliminating poverty.
By removing visa requirements, Ghana aims to enhance trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between African nations. This move is expected to increase business travel, investment, and cultural exchanges across the continent, ultimately contributing to Africa's economic growth and development.
Source: Florence Kyei /Lead News Online
