Ghana has officially introduced visa-free travel for all African passport holders starting January 2025. This significant announcement was made by the outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo during his final State of the Nation address, marking a bold step towards fostering greater continental integration.
“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders,” President Akufo-Addo declared in his speech to parliament. “This is the logical next step to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world.”
This policy aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a fully integrated and connected Africa by 2063. Ghana now joins the ranks of Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin, countries that have already implemented similar visa-free policies for African travellers.
Previously, Ghana allowed visa-free entry for citizens of 26 African nations and offered visas on arrival for travellers from 25 others. Only visitors from Eritrea and Morocco required pre-approved visas. The new policy, however, abolishes these restrictions, underscoring Ghana’s commitment to uniting the continent.
This initiative builds upon the success of the 2019 Year of Return, a campaign that commemorated 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade and attracted thousands of visitors, including high-profile celebrities. The campaign elevated Ghana’s global profile as a cultural and tourism hub, with some visitors even gaining citizenship.
During his address, President Akufo-Addo highlighted Ghana’s economic progress under his leadership, citing an increase in gross international reserves from $6.2 billion in 2017 to $8 billion by 2024 and forecasting a 6.3% GDP growth rate for 2025.
Despite these strides, Ghana has faced severe economic challenges in recent years and is currently navigating a $3 billion International Monetary Fund relief programme.
As President Akufo-Addo steps down, he hands over leadership to John Mahama, who won the December elections, leaving behind a legacy of economic resilience and diplomatic strides towards a united Africa.
