Ghana is working on implementing visa-free travel for citizens of all African countries, according to Foreign Minister Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey.
In remarks on Tuesday, Minister Botchwey said the government is hastening efforts to ensure visa-free travel for Africans and members of the African diaspora.
“It is something that we are seriously thinking about, I know Rwanda has announced, and Kenya is also looking into it. We are also going to look into it seriously for our fellow Africans and also those of African descent in the diaspora,” she said.
The statement comes after Ghana and South Africa signed an agreement last week allowing their citizens 90-day visa-free visits in each country, which took effect November 1.
Minister Botchwey noted that successfully implementing visa-free travel across Africa would bring enormous economic benefits to Ghana’s tourism sector.
“We want to be able to attract them, they come in their numbers to Ghana through the Year of Return, Beyond the Return, because Ghana has become that pilgrimage country for them to touch base with the motherland,” she added.
The Foreign Minister assured that her ministry is working closely with the Interior, Tourism and other ministries to reach a decision soon.
“It is not just the Ministry of Foreign Affairs but the Interior, Tourism, we are all looking at it and we will come out very soon,” she said.
The visa waiver would allow African citizens and diaspora members to visit Ghana for up to 90 days without obtaining a visa. It could significantly boost travel and tourism in Ghana, which has marketed itself as a destination for Black Americans and others seeking to connect with their African roots.
