Ghana has begun allowing visa-free travel for all African passport holders, a major move that builds on Ghana’s efforts to boost its reputation, including the 2019 Year of Return campaign, which encouraged African descendants to reconnect with their roots.
Outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo announced the policy during his final state of the nation address on Friday.
He stated that the new policy, which took effect this year, aligns with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s vision of a connected Africa.
Before now, Ghana allowed visa-free entry to citizens of 26 African countries and issued visas on arrival to travellers from 25 others.
With this change, Ghana joins countries like Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin in welcoming African travellers without visa restrictions.
That initiative attracted thousands of tourists, including celebrities, and strengthened Ghana’s position as a cultural and tourism hub.
Akufo-Addo also used his address to highlight economic progress under his administration, including an increase in Ghana’s international reserves from $6.2 billion in 2017 to $8 billion and a projected GDP growth rate of 6.3% in 2025.
Despite these achievements, Ghana has faced economic challenges in recent years and is currently under a $3 billion IMF relief programme.
The president is set to hand over power to John Mahama, who won the December elections.
