Ghana’s government has announced its commitment to implementing a visa-free policy for all Africans travelling to the country.
According to President Akufo-Addo, the initiative set to be fully implemented this year aims to help with easier movement within the continent.
The president revealed this at the second edition of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues conference held at Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region on Thursday, Jan. 25.
He informed participants of special arrangements that reduced visa acquisition fees by 50% which will allow for visa-on-arrival this year.
The second edition of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues hosted at the serene hills of Aburi in Ghana saw the presence of distinguished African personalities, including the former President of Mozambique, the Chairperson of the Africa Forum, the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Egypt, and other eminent figures.
President Akufo-Addo welcomed delegates and emphasized Africa’s richness in natural resources and its potential for transformation into a global powerhouse.
‘The focus of the event centred on economic interest particularly facilitating the free movement of people, goods, and services across the continent,” Akufo-Addo said.
The theme, “Produce, Add Value, Trade,” shows the need for industrialization, value addition, and investment in infrastructure to support the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative, he said.
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the role of the private sector in driving the AfCFTA’s success and called for a collective commitment to realizing its promises.
He highlighted the historical challenges, including colonial economic models, that have hindered intra-Africa trade, stressing the importance of sustainable farming practices, infrastructure development, and technology adoption.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogues aimed to mobilize Africa’s private sector to actively participate in and support the AfCFTA initiative.
President Akufo-Addo urged participants to move beyond rhetoric and foster actionable plans for transformative change.
The event concluded with the declaration of the second edition of the African Prosperity Gala, symbolizing a commitment to shared prosperity on the continent.