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.