Ghana’s announcement of plans to institute a visa-free entry policy for all African visitors by the end of 2024 marks a significant step towards fostering continental unity and prosperity.
President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made this declaration during the 2024 Africa Prosperity Dialogue held in Ghana, emphasizing the imperative of facilitating free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent.
This initiative is aimed at harnessing the benefits of increased trade to propel Africa towards economic transformation.
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Addressing attendees, Akufo-Addo highlighted the common hurdle of visa requirements, acknowledging that many had to obtain visas to attend the event.
However, special arrangements were made to ease this burden, including a 50% reduction in visa acquisition fees and facilitating visa on arrival.
The commitment of the Ghanaian government to implement visa-free entry for all African travelers is underway, with efforts already initiated to realize this goal within the current year.
Across Africa, nations are recognizing the necessity of dismantling barriers that impede intra-continental interactions.
Whether through the removal of trade tariffs within sub-regions or the complete elimination of visa restrictions, the continent is experiencing rapid progress towards greater integration.
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Notably, Ghana and South Africa took a significant stride towards enhanced regional cooperation last November by unveiling a visa-waiver scheme, enabling citizens of both countries to travel between them without the need for visas.
Such initiatives signify a collective determination to foster unity and prosperity throughout Africa.