President John Dramani Mahama has announced the introduction of a visa-free regime for all African nationals, a move aimed at deepening regional integration and boosting economic cooperation.
The policy will take effect on May 25, 2026, to coincide with Africa Day.
With this move, Ghana joins a small group of African countries, including Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles, that already allow visa-free entry for all African nationals.
The policy removes the need for pre-arrival visas, marking a significant shift in Ghana’s travel and immigration framework.
The visa-free regime will form part of a broader reform of Ghana’s immigration system, including the introduction of a new e-visa platform expected to launch next month. Authorities say the system is designed to streamline entry processes while maintaining border controls.
The foreign minister, Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, noted that the policy is aimed at reinforcing the country’s position as the cradle of Pan-Africanism while unlocking gains in tourism and intra-African trade through the reform.
He added that the visa-free regime will form part of a broader e-visa system set to be launched by the Mahama administration next month.
Ghana’s government has also been expanding travel access for its own citizens. The Foreign Ministry said 23 visa waiver agreements have been negotiated for Ghanaian passport holders since last year.
The introduction of visa-free entry for all Africans is expected to support increased mobility across the continent, with potential implications for tourism, business travel, and regional integration.