Fact Check:  Did Ghana Approved Visa Free Entry To All African Passport Holders

Claim:

Ghana Outgoing President, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo Addo has approved Visa Free entry for all Africans seeking to come into Ghana.

Verification:

According to Visa Openness Ranking, Ghana secured the 5th position in Africa coming behind Rwanda, Seychelles,The Gambia and Benin who are only African countries offering Visa free entry to all African passport holders. Details emerging indicate that the executive approval for the visa free travel policy was granted on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Speaking at the African Prosperity Dialogue (APD 2024) on the theme “Developing Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, and Trade,” President Akufo-Addo highlighted the importance of the initiative.

In his statement “Many of you had to obtain visas to attend this event,” he noted.“The government of Ghana is committed to making visa-free travel for all Africans a reality, and steps are already underway to implement this policy within the year.

Findings:

Finding reveals that his Excellency Akufo Addo stated this in his keynote address at Africa Prosperity Dialogue (APD) 2024 adding that the government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa free travel for all Africans and the process has begun to implement the policy .

The policy has now been communicated to Ghana ministry of foreign affairs and regional integration . According to City Newsroom, the policy is set to take effect by January 2025 this ensuring regional integration. This decision fulfills a promise made by President Akufo-Addo during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD 2024) in January. The initiative aims to promote free movement of people, goods, and services across Africa, boosting economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Commissioner for Economic Development Trade Tourism Industry and Minerals at the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) secretariat, Albert Muchanga, also has stated that President Akufo-Addo’s decision to grant executive approval for visa-free travel to Ghana by all Africans is a move in the right direction and marks a step forward to the vision of creating a single African Market under AfCFTA.

“It is most welcome. It is a move in the right direction. We have the Protocol of the Treaty Establishing the African Economic Community Relating to the free movement of people, right of residence, and right of establishment. The protocol also provides for mutual recognition of professional qualifications,” Albert Muchanga told Asaase News in an exclusive interview.

Conclusion :

The claim that Ghana approved visa free entry to all African passport holders is true.The visa-free policy is expected to take effect before President Akufo-Addo’s term ends on January 6, 2025 .

Verdict : True