Ghana has announced plans to implement a visa-free policy for all African travellers, in a move aimed at promoting continental unity and easing movement across Africa.
President John Dramani Mahama disclosed that the policy will take effect on May 25, 2026, to coincide with the celebration of Africa Day.
“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,” Mahama said.
While countries within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), including Nigeria, already benefit from visa-free travel within the sub-region, Ghana’s new policy extends similar access to all Africans beyond West Africa.
The announcement followed a bilateral meeting with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa at Peduase Lodge in Ghana’s Eastern Region. Mahama noted that both countries already operate a visa-free arrangement, allowing seamless travel between them.
He said the new initiative reflects Ghana’s commitment to Pan-African ideals and aligns with the vision of Kwame Nkrumah, who championed African unity and integration.
Government officials said the visa-free policy will be implemented alongside a broader e-visa reform programme expected to launch in the same month, aimed at simplifying travel, boosting tourism, and attracting investment.
Mahama assured that adequate systems have been put in place to manage the process without compromising national security.
“Let me assure the public that adequate systems have been put in place to protect prospective visitors and to ensure that the security of our nation is not compromised,” he stated.
He also revealed that efforts are ongoing to secure additional visa waiver agreements for Ghanaian citizens travelling abroad, noting that his administration has signed over 20 such agreements since assuming office in 2025.
Beyond travel, both Ghana and Zimbabwe reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening cooperation on regional and global issues, emphasising unity, dialogue, and respect for international law in addressing shared challenges.
Mnangagwa described the meeting as productive and forward-looking.
“We remain rooted in the shared ideals of Pan-Africanism, South-South cooperation, and a shared aspiration for African prosperity,” he said.
