Ghana has announced plans to open its borders to all African passport holders without requiring visas, positioning itself as the fifth nation on the continent to adopt such a policy.
The new directive will officially begin on May 25, 2026, coinciding with Africa Day, according to reports.
The announcement came during the official visit of Emmerson Mnangagwa and builds on an earlier proposal introduced by former President Nana Akufo-Addo. He had initially revealed plans for visa-free travel across Africa in his final State of the Nation Address in January 2025, though the initiative was not implemented before he left office.
With this development, Ghana joins Benin, The Gambia, Rwanda, and Seychelles as the only African nations granting visa-free access to citizens from across the continent. The policy eliminates the requirement for pre-arrival visas, signaling a significant overhaul of the country’s immigration system.
Authorities also revealed that the visa-free policy will work alongside a new electronic visa platform scheduled for launch next month, designed to simplify entry procedures while preserving border security.
Foreign Affairs Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that the move is aimed at reinforcing Ghana’s identity as a hub of Pan-African unity, while also driving growth in tourism and trade among African nations.
