Ghana’s President Aims to Implement Visa-Free Entry for All Africans

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo of Ghana has announced that the country has initiated the processes to establish a visa-free regime for all African nationals travelling to Ghana. The President emphasised his commitment to completing this initiative before the end of his presidential term, which is set to conclude early next year.

Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2024 held at the Peduase Presidential Lodge in the Eastern Region, President Akufo-Addo underscored the importance of economic integration within the African continent. He stressed the need for African countries to focus their efforts on facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent.

President Akufo-Addo believes that fostering such economic integration is essential for transforming the continent’s prospects into prosperity. He noted that the free movement of goods and services plays a crucial role in realising the benefits of regional integration and trade, particularly in the context of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The AfCFTA is a transformative initiative aimed at creating a unified continental market among the 55 member countries of the African Union and the eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs). With a combined population exceeding 1.3 billion and a total GDP of approximately US$3.4 trillion, AfCFTA seeks to enhance trade and economic cooperation within Africa.

President Akufo-Addo’s remarks at the 2024 APD event align with the theme, “Delivering Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, Trade.” He emphasised that despite Africa’s currently limited share, accounting for only three percent of global trade valued at around US$25.3 trillion, the continent should take proactive measures to unlock its full trade potential.

The President also highlighted the importance of developing efficient transportation and logistics infrastructure, streamlining trade processes, and embracing digital technology to facilitate cross-border transactions. Furthermore, he stressed the need to ensure the resilience of key sectors, such as agribusiness, and foster collaboration between the private and public sectors to achieve a prosperous Africa.

President Akufo-Addo concluded by emphasising the importance of strong governance, safe legal frameworks, and robust institutions in promoting the desired vision for Africa’s future.