Ghana has announced a new visa-free travel policy for all African passport holders, effective from the start of this year.
The announcement was made during Akufo-Addo’s final state of the nation address as he prepares to step down on January 6, after serving two terms in office.
“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, with effect from the beginning of this year,” Akufo-Addo stated during his speech to parliament.
He described the policy as a logical progression towards the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world’s largest trading bloc.
“This is a crucial step for the realisation of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions an integrated and connected Africa by 2063,” he added, referring to the AU’s long-term development plan.
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Ghana joins countries like Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin in offering visa-free entry to African travellers.
Previously, Ghana had granted visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations and issued visas on arrival for travellers from 25 others. Only Eritrea and Morocco had required visas prior to entry.
NaomisophyBlog Online reports that Germany also introduced a new online portal this January to make it easier for people from around the world to apply for entry visas.
For visitors from countries without a visa waiver agreement with Germany, getting an entry permit is a necessary step before traveling to the country.
NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
