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Ghana Announces Visa-Free Travel for African Passport Holders
Ghana’s outgoing President, Nana Akufo-Addo, on Friday announced a groundbreaking visa-free travel policy for all African passport holders, effective from January 1, 2025.
The announcement, made during his final State of the Nation address, represents a bold step towards advancing continental economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders,” President Akufo-Addo declared during his address to parliament.
“This is the logical next step to the AfCFTA and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world. All these are essential elements to the realisation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisages an integrated and connected Africa by 2063.”
The policy places Ghana among a select group of African nations — including Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin — that offer visa-free entry to African travelers. Previously, Ghana allowed visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations, while travelers from 25 others received visas on arrival. Only two African nations, Eritrea and Morocco, required prior visas for entry into Ghana.
This initiative builds on Ghana’s international reputation as a cultural and tourism hub, a status enhanced by the highly successful “Year of Return” campaign in 2019.
The initiative commemorated 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade and welcomed thousands of visitors, including global celebrities, many of whom were granted citizenship.
In his final address, Akufo-Addo also highlighted the economic achievements of his administration. He cited an increase in Ghana’s gross international reserves to $8 billion, up from $6.2 billion in 2017, and projected a 6.3% GDP growth rate for 2025.
“Economic growth has returned to the pre-Covid trajectory,” Akufo-Addo said. “I leave behind a Ghana that is thriving, one that has navigated significant global challenges with remarkable tenacity, whose economy is steadily rebounding, and whose institutions are operating effectively.”
The oil-and-gold-rich nation, hailed as one of Africa’s most stable democracies, has recently faced economic challenges. Since 2022, it has been navigating a severe economic crisis under a $3 billion International Monetary Fund relief program.
Akufo-Addo, who served two terms in office, will officially hand over power to John Mahama on January 6. Mahama, a former president, won the December 2024 elections, marking his return to leadership.
The House of Representatives will commence the defence of the 2025 Appropriation Bill by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) on Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
This was disclosed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Bichi, on Monday after a strategic meeting with chairpersons of statutory committees at the National Assembly.
Bichi emphasized the House’s commitment to ensuring the timely passage of the budget, stating that the legislative body aims to conclude deliberations and approve the budget by the end of January 2025.
It will be recalled that on December 18, 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented a ₦49.7 trillion Budget Proposal for 2025 before a joint session of the National Assembly.
The budget, themed “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Building Prosperity,” prioritizes security and defence, infrastructure, health, and education.
In his 30-minute address, President Tinubu highlighted key allocations, including ₦4.91 trillion for defence and security, ₦4.06 trillion for infrastructure, ₦2.4 trillion for health, and ₦3.5 trillion for education, among others.
“It is with great pleasure that I lay before this distinguished joint session of the National Assembly, the 2025 Budget of Nigeria, titled The Restoration Budget—securing peace, building prosperity,” Tinubu declared during the presentation.
The defence sessions are expected to feature critical scrutiny of MDAs’ spending proposals to ensure alignment with national priorities and efficient resource utilization.
The 2025 Appropriation Bill is projected to bolster efforts in economic recovery, infrastructural development, and enhanced service delivery in critical sectors, as the government continues its drive to restore stability and prosperity to Nigeria.
The Government of Ondo State has announced the death of Hon. Temitayo Oluwatuyi, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), who passed away on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information, Wale Akinlosotu, it was revealed that the late Oluwatuyi had been involved in a severe road accident on December 15, 2024, while traveling along the Ife-Ibadan Road.
Following the incident, he was hospitalised but unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
“It is with profound sadness that the Government of Ondo State announces the passing of Hon. Temitayo Oluwatuyi, Secretary to the State Government (SSG), on January 4, 2025,” the statement read.
Describing the late politician as a dedicated public servant, Akinlosotu highlighted his significant contributions to the growth and development of Ondo State.
“Hon. Oluwatuyi was a committed public servant whose unwavering dedication to administrative coordination, policy advisory, and implementation greatly impacted Ondo State. His loss leaves a void in our hearts and governance,” he said.
The Ondo State Government extended its heartfelt condolences to the Oluwatuyi family of Akure, as well as to his friends and associates.
“The Government of Ondo State extends its deepest condolences to the Oluwatuyi family, friends, and associates during this difficult time,” Akinlosotu added.
Further details regarding the burial arrangements of the late politician will be announced in due course.
Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dissolved the state’s Executive Council, marking the end of the tenure for commissioners and the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The announcement was made during an executive council meeting held on Friday, January 3, 2025.
Governor Sule expressed his appreciation to the outgone members of the council for their dedication and contributions to the administration and the people of Nasarawa State.
He wished them success in their future endeavors.
“I sincerely thank you for your services to this administration and the people of our dear state. I wish you the very best in your future pursuits,” the governor stated.
To ensure a smooth transition, the governor directed the outgoing commissioners to hand over all government properties and the affairs of their respective ministries to the Permanent Secretaries in their ministries.
Similarly, the outgoing Secretary to the Government is instructed to transfer responsibilities to the Permanent Secretary, Cabinet Affairs, and Special Services.
