Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo has announced visa-free travel for all African passport holders, effective from the start of this year. This move aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote economic integration across the continent.

The announcement came during Akufo-Addo’s final State of the Nation address on Friday, ahead of his departure from office on January 6 after completing two terms. “This is the logical next step to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world,” Akufo-Addo stated.

Previously, Ghana allowed visa-free access to citizens of 26 African nations and visas on arrival for travelers from 25 others. The new policy extends visa-free travel to all African passport holders, positioning Ghana alongside Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia, and Benin, which have already adopted similar measures.

The policy builds on Ghana’s international reputation as a cultural and tourism hub, further boosted by initiatives like the 2019 Year of Return, which commemorated 400 years since the transatlantic slave trade and attracted thousands of visitors, including global celebrities.