Ghana Agrees to Visa-Free Entry for All Africans – John Mahama’s New Plan

Ghana has become the fifth African country to opt for a visa-free regime for all African nationals, a statement from the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The policy, announced by President John Mahama, will come into effect from May 25, which coincides with the International Africa Day celebrations.

President Mahama announced the policy during the first state visit of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Accra, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa said.

The policy builds on a previous plan under the administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, who announced visa-free travel for all African passport holders in his final state of the nation address in January 2025.

The measure, which was expected to come into effect in 2025, did not take effect before the end of his term.

With this move, Ghana joins a handful of African countries including Benin, Gambia, Rwanda and Seychelles that have already started granting visa-free entry to all Africans, marking a significant change in Ghana’s immigration and travel regime.

The visa-free entry scheme will be part of ongoing reforms to Ghana’s immigration system, including the introduction of a new online visa application system expected to be launched next month.

Authorities say the scheme is designed to streamline the entry process and ensure the security of the country’s borders.

Ablakwa said the scheme aims to reaffirm the country’s position as a destination for Africans everywhere, while opening up avenues for tourism and intra-African trade.

He added that the visa-free regime will be part of the online visa application system that the Mahama administration will launch next month.

The Ghanaian government is also expanding travel opportunities for its citizens.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has signed 23 visa waiver agreements for Ghanaian passport holders since last year.

The introduction of a visa-free regime for Africans is expected to facilitate more travel across the continent, with the potential to boost tourism and trade and foster regional integration.

The move is in line with the continent’s efforts to facilitate travel under initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).