Ghana has officially implemented visa-free entry for all African passport holders, outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo announced during his final state-of-the-nation address. The policy, effective from January 1, represents a significant milestone in advancing pan-African unity and fostering economic collaboration across the continent. “I am delighted to have authorized visa-free entry to Ghana for holders of African passports,” Akufo-Addo stated, highlighting its significance in advancing the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area, established four years ago as the largest trading bloc globally. With this initiative, Ghana becomes the fifth African nation to embrace visa-free access for travellers from the continent, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin. The move underscores Ghana’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a welcoming hub for Africans and the diaspora. Notably, the 2019 “Year of Return” campaign encouraged individuals of African descent to visit and invest in the country, further boosting its appeal as a cultural and economic destination. While Akufo-Addo reflected on his two terms in office, acknowledging the economic challenges faced by Ghanaians, he noted that growth has rebounded to pre-pandemic levels. As his tenure concludes, Vice-President Mahamudu Bawumia, his party’s chosen successor, was defeated in the recent election by John Mahama, who is set to be sworn in as president on Tuesday.
