Ghana Announces Visa-Free Entry for African Passport Holders

Ghana has officially announced visa-free travel for all African passport holders, effective from the start of 2025. The declaration was made by outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo during his final state of the nation address as he prepares to leave office on January 6.

“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders,” Akufo-Addo stated, highlighting its alignment with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a fully integrated and connected continent by 2063.

This policy places Ghana alongside countries like Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin in offering visa-free entry to African travelers. Previously, Ghana permitted visa-free access to citizens from 26 African nations and issued visas on arrival for travelers from 25 others, with only Eritrea and Morocco requiring pre-arranged visas for entry.

The initiative builds on Ghana’s reputation as a cultural and tourism hub, following the success of the 2019 Year of Return, which celebrated the African diaspora. That campaign attracted thousands of visitors, including prominent figures, and granted citizenship to some participants, enhancing Ghana’s global profile.

Akufo-Addo also used his final address to highlight economic progress under his administration. He noted an increase in gross international reserves to $8 billion from $6.2 billion in 2017 and forecasted a 6.3% GDP growth rate for 2025, indicating a return to pre-pandemic growth levels.

Despite its economic recovery, the oil-and-gold-rich nation remains under a $3-billion International Monetary Fund relief program as it grapples with one of its worst economic crises in decades. The outgoing president, after two terms in office, will hand over leadership to John Mahama, who emerged victorious in the December elections.