Ghana has officially adopted a visa-free entry policy for citizens of all African countries, a move aimed at fostering unity and easing travel across the continent.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo approved the policy on December 18, 2024, fulfilling a promise made earlier this year. The initiative is set to be implemented before the end of his tenure on January 7, 2025.

This development positions Ghana alongside Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin as one of only five African nations offering visa-free access to all African passport holders. Previously, Ghana allowed citizens from 26 African nations visa-free entry, with nationals from 25 others eligible for visas on arrival. Only two African countries required pre-approved visas to enter Ghana.

The policy aligns with Ghana’s commitment to the African Union’s vision for economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). It also supports efforts to boost tourism, with the Ghana Tourism Authority introducing a temporary Non-Pre-Approval Visa scheme from December 1, 2024, to January 15, 2025, as part of the “Beyond the Return” campaign.

Despite this progress, restrictive visa policies across much of Africa continue to hinder trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. The African Development Bank highlights that strict entry requirements in countries like Libya and Sudan remain significant barriers to regional cooperation.