President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will roll out a free visa policy for all Africans starting May 25, 2026.
The announcement was made following a bilateral meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at the Peduase Lodge in Ghana’s Eastern Region.
Under the new policy, African travellers will be able to obtain e-visas online at no cost as part of broader immigration reforms.
What the President is saying
President Mahama said the initiative reflects Ghana’s long-standing commitment to Pan-Africanism and regional integration.
- “I am also pleased to announce that effective 25th May, 2026, when we commemorate Africa Day, Ghana will commence a free visa regime for all Africans. Africans travelling to Ghana will receive their e-visas online free of charge,” he announced.
- He noted that Ghana has a responsibility as a “cradle of Pan-Africanism” to remain open to citizens across the continent.
- The President added that the policy forms part of a wider e-visa reform programme aimed at improving access while maintaining national security.
- According to Mahama, the visa-free regime is expected to boost tourism, strengthen trade, and enhance Ghana’s appeal as an investment destination.
- He also disclosed that since assuming office in 2025, his administration has signed 23 visa waiver agreements to improve travel access for Ghanaian passport holders.
The President assured that adequate systems have been put in place to manage the influx of visitors and safeguard national security.
More insights
The move places Ghana among a small group of African countries offering visa-free entry to all African passport holders.
It also aligns with broader continental efforts to promote free movement under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to boost intra-African trade and mobility.
What this means
The policy is expected to strengthen trade links across the continent, especially under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
It also means more tourists, investors, and entrepreneurs may choose Ghana, helping to grow its economy and create more opportunities.
What you should know
Ghana’s decision places it among a small but growing group of countries adopting similar open-border policies.
Countries like Benin, Rwanda, The Gambia, and Seychelles already offer visa-free access to all African nationals, making them some of the most open destinations on the continent.
Others, including Kenya, have moved toward simplified entry systems such as visa-free or electronic travel authorisation for most African travellers, while several countries now offer visa-on-arrival or e-visa options as part of broader integration efforts.
