Ghana ‘Approves’ Visa-free Entry
Ghana has reportedly scrapped visa processes required to enter the country for citizens of all African nations.
This will make Ghana the fifth visa-free country in Africa, following Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin.
The new policy is expected to boost travel, trade, and tourism.
In January 2024, President Nana Akufo-Addo pledged to make the West African country visa-free during the Africa prosperity dialogues (APD) which was held in Ghana.
“Many of you had to acquire a visa to attend this event,” he said.
“The government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free travel for all Africans, and the process has begun to implement the policy this year.”
Joy Online, a local paper, reported that the policy has now been communicated to the ministry of foreign affairs and regional integration, and the ministry of interior, which have commenced preparations for its execution.
The report said the executive approval was granted on December 18, 2024, with the policy set to take effect before the end of Akufo-Addo’s term on January 6.
The Ghana Immigration Service is expected to announce the official start date.
In 2023, a similar move was made by Kenyan President William Ruto.
Ruto says Africans travelling to the country would no longer need visas by the end of the year.
The process was replaced by a new policy requiring intending travellers entering the country to apply for a $30 electronic travel authorization (eTA) and wait up to three days for a decision.
