Ghana has officially removed visa requirements for citizens of all African countries, making it the fifth African nation to adopt a visa-free policy after Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin.
The move, aimed at boosting travel, trade, and tourism, fulfills a promise made by President Nana Akufo-Addo during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues in January 2024.
Speaking at the event, the president 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.”
Local media outlet Joy Online reported that executive approval for the policy was granted on December 18, 2024. The Ghanaian ministries of foreign affairs and regional integration, as well as the ministry of interior, have commenced preparations for its rollout. The Ghana Immigration Service is expected to announce the official start date soon.
The policy is anticipated to take effect before the end of President Akufo-Addo’s term on January 6, 2025.
Ghana follows Kenya, which in 2023 introduced a similar initiative under President William Ruto. However, Kenya replaced traditional visa requirements with a $30 electronic travel authorization (eTA), requiring travelers to apply online and wait up to three days for approval.