Ghana's Visa Openness Policy Pays Off, Ranks Among Africa's Best
A recent report has highlighted the progress made by African countries in relaxing visa requirements, but also notes that significant challenges remain.
The Africa Visa Openness Index (AVOI) report, released by the African Union Commission and the African Development Bank has ranked Ghana 5th in countries on the continent that have made efforts to ease travel restrictions.
“The more visa-open a country, the easier it is for a traveller to visit that country” the report indicated.
However, the report also reveals that many Africans still face significant hurdles when traveling to neighboring countries. The lack of visa openness is not only a hindrance to tourism and economic development but also restricts the movement of people, goods, and services across the continent.
Despite these challenges, the report notes that there has been significant progress in recent years. Many countries have introduced e-visa systems, which have made it easier for travelers to obtain visas. However, the report also highlights the need for greater harmonization and standardization of visa policies across the continent.
The African Union has emphasized the importance of visa openness in promoting economic development, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. The organization has called on member states to work towards the implementation of the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons, which was signed in 2018.
Experts have emphasized that the free movement of people is essential for Africa's economic development and integration. "Africa will not achieve its development aspirations without regimes that promote mobility across the continent," said Joy Kategekwa, Director of the Regional Integration Coordination Office at the African Development Bank Group.
“Today, visa openness across Africa stands at its highest level since we began tracking it nine years ago in 2016. So far, 39 African countries have improved their scores, a testament to Africa’s shared commitment to ease travel and foster collaboration across borders”. Nnenna Lily Nwabufo - Vice President, Regional Development, Integration and Business Delivery at the African Development Bank Group noted in her remarks about the latest index.
Source: Florence Kyei /Lead News Online
