President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has fulfilled his pledge to introduce visa-free travel for citizens of all African nations to Ghana.

The promise, made during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD 2024) in January, was aimed at enhancing the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent.

With executive approval granted on Wednesday, 18 December 2024, this policy is set to take effect before the end of Akufo-Addo’s term on 6 January 2025.

This policy marks a significant step towards realising the African Union’s vision of economic integration through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Ghana will join Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin as the only African countries offering visa-free entry to all African passport holders.

The move is expected to bolster efforts to create the world’s largest single market, encompassing 55 nations, and enhance collaboration between African governments and businesses.

In his APD 2024 keynote address, delivered under the theme “Developing Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, and Trade,” President Akufo-Addo reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the visa-free initiative.

“Many of you had to acquire a visa to attend this event,” he said, referencing a special arrangement that reduced visa fees for participants.

“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,” he assured attendees.

The policy has now been communicated to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and the Ministry of the Interior, which have commenced preparations for its execution.

The Ghana Immigration Service is expected to announce the official start date, which is anticipated to be Wednesday, 1 January 2025.

The move is expected to facilitate business, tourism, and cultural exchange across the continent, solidifying Ghana’s position as a leader in African unity and integration.

Criticism of restrictive immigration policies in other African nations underscores the importance of this initiative.

Business mogul Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, highlighted the frustrations of navigating visa requirements across the continent.

“As an investor, I have to apply for 35 different visas,” he lamented at a business forum in Rwanda.

Mr Dangote’s remarks reflect the challenges African entrepreneurs and investors face, who often find it easier to travel to Europe or the US than neighbouring African countries.

Ghana, home to the AfCFTA Secretariat, has long championed the vision of a borderless Africa, a goal first articulated by its founding leader, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

While Ethiopia, host to the African Union’s headquarters, has faced criticism for its restrictive visa policies, Ghana’s initiative sets a progressive example.