Ghana to join visa free countries January 7

The Ghanaian Government On Thursday announced its plan to approve a visa-free entry policy for nationals from all African countries to promote unity and ease of travel across the continent.

This decision, made by the outgoing President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, follows a promise made earlier this year, saying it will be implemented before his term ends on January 7, 2025.

With this decision, Ghana aligns itself with nations such as Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin by providing visa-free access for holders of African passports, becoming the fifth country on the continent to implement this policy.

In the past, Ghana permitted citizens from 26 African countries to enter without a visa, while nationals from 25 other nations could obtain visas upon arrival. Only two African countries required a visa to enter Ghana, highlighting the country's continuous efforts to minimize obstacles to free movement.

Reports show that Ghana ranks fifth in Africa for promoting policies that encourage free travel. This new decision highlights Ghana’s dedication to fostering regional cooperation and addressing the challenges hindering integration within Africa.

The policy was formally approved by President Akufo-Addo on December 18, 2024, fulfilling a commitment made at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues earlier in January. This move is seen as a key step towards strengthening the African Union’s goals for economic cooperation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The policy’s introduction also supports Ghana’s broader efforts to boost tourism. The Ghana Tourism Authority has launched a temporary Non-Pre-Approval Visa scheme from December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, as part of the “Beyond the Return” campaign. This initiative aims to reconnect Africans and members of the diaspora with their heritage and promote economic collaboration.

However, visa restrictions remain a significant challenge in many African countries. The African Development Bank notes that strict entry requirements in places like Libya, Equatorial Guinea, and Sudan hinder trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

This is particularly troubling given that some non-African countries have visa-free access to various African nations, while travel within Africa is still limited by restrictions.