Ghana has announced plans to allow visa-free entry for all African passport holders, making it the fifth country on the continent to implement such a policy, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The initiative, introduced by President John Dramani Mahama, is scheduled to come into force on May 25, in line with the celebration of Africa Day.
The announcement was made during the first official visit of Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Ghana, as confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
This decision builds on a prior commitment made by former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, who had earlier pledged visa-free travel for Africans during his final State of the Nation Address in January 2025.
Although the policy was initially expected to begin in 2025, it was not implemented before the end of his administration.
With this development, Ghana joins other African nations such as Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles that already permit visa-free access to all African citizens.
The new directive eliminates the requirement for visas prior to arrival, representing a major change in the country’s travel and immigration policies.
Policy Linked to E-Visa Rollout
This visa-free arrangement will be part of a wider overhaul of Ghana’s immigration system, which includes the rollout of a new e-visa platform expected to go live next month. Officials say the system will simplify entry procedures while ensuring proper border security.
According to Ablakwa, the initiative is intended to strengthen Ghana’s identity as the home of Pan-Africanism while boosting tourism and intra-African trade through improved travel access.
He further explained that the visa-free policy will be integrated into the broader e-visa system being introduced by the Mahama administration in the coming weeks.
In addition, the government has been working to improve travel opportunities for Ghanaian citizens. The Foreign Ministry revealed that 23 visa waiver agreements have been secured for Ghanaian passport holders since last year.
The policy is expected to enhance movement across Africa, creating new opportunities for tourism, business travel, and regional cooperation.
It also supports wider continental efforts to promote free movement under initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area.