Business

Ghana Moves to Boost Trade, Tourism with Visa-Free Access for Africans

Published

7 months ago

April 3, 2026

President John Dramani Mahama announces Ghana’s move to introduce a visa-free policy for all Africans starting May 25, 2026, targeting improved mobility and deeper regional cooperation.

The announcement followed a bilateral meeting with Zimbabwe’s Emmerson Mnangagwa at Peduase Lodge in Ghana’s Eastern Region.

Ghana’s President John Mahama (R) and Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, pose for a photo on April 2, 2026, in Accra, Ghana. /Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Under the new policy, African travellers will be able to apply for electronic visas at no cost, marking a shift in Ghana’s immigration system aimed at improving accessibility while maintaining security standards.

Mahama said the move reflects Ghana’s long-standing commitment to Pan-Africanism, describing the country as a “cradle” of the ideology. He added that the initiative will officially take effect on Africa Day.

According to the President, the policy is expected to boost tourism, strengthen trade ties, and position Ghana as a more attractive destination for investors and entrepreneurs across the continent.

He further disclosed that since taking office in 2025, his administration has signed 23 visa waiver agreements to improve travel access for Ghanaian citizens.

The new visa-free regime places Ghana among a growing number of African countries adopting open-border policies to encourage mobility. It also aligns with continental frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promotes intra-African trade and economic cooperation.

Ghana houses the AfCFTA Secretariat in Accra, positioned as a key driver of continental integration; the visa-free policy supports AfCFTA’s goal of reducing barriers not just to trade—but to movement of people. This is critical for services, SMEs, tourism and informal cross-border trade.

Currently, this development leans toward free e-visas, not completely visa-free entry at borders meaning travellers will apply online, but won’t pay fees.

Countries including Benin, Rwanda, The Gambia, and Seychelles already offer visa-free access to African nationals, while others have adopted simplified entry systems such as e-visas and visa-on-arrival policies.

Ghana has long positioned itself as a Pan-African hub, through initiatives like the “Year of Return” in 2019, and the new visa-free policy reinforces this identity. Its success will depend on effective border security, migration management, and infrastructure readiness, including immigration systems, data tracking, and airport capacity.

Analysts project that the visa-free regime will improve intra-African relations, which is currently under 20% of Africa’s total travel; while making movement easier for entrepreneurs, creatives, and digital workers, it could potentially boosting sectors such as aviation, tourism, hospitality, trade and cross-border logistics.

Related Topics:Africa Day Ghana Ghana to Boost Trade & Tourism tourism Trade Visa-Free Visa-Free Access for Africans

Up Next

Nigerian Banks Raise ₦4.65 Trillion as CBN Ends Recapitalisation Drive

Don't Miss

I entered armoured vehicle to project my voice properly to Angwan Rukuba residents: Gov Mutfwang

Click to comment

Business

FG concessions Port Harcourt airport, assures workers of job security

Published

6 hours ago

November 13, 2026

PlateauReports

The Federal Government has signed a concession agreement with PH Airport Limited to manage and develop the Jeremiah Obafemi Awolowo International Airport, Port Harcourt, assuring aviation workers that the arrangement will not lead to job losses.

Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development Festus Keyamo and the group managing director of PH Airport Limited, Eyo Asuquo, signed the deal, following consultations with aviation labour unions.

The minister’s media aide, Tunde Moshood, disclosed this in a statement on Thursday, saying the unions endorsed the agreement after receiving assurances that no aviation worker will lose their job because of the concession.

The agreement marks a new phase in the government’s plan to attract private investment into airport infrastructure and improve the management of selected airports across the country.
According to the statement, Mr Keyamo met with aviation union leaders before the formal signing to address concerns about the concession’s implications for workers.
Speaking on behalf of the unions, Ben Nnabue said workers’ welfare and job security remain central to their consideration of the agreement.

He added that organised labour will not support an arrangement that threatened the livelihoods of its members, adding that the unions are satisfied with the assurances received from the government and the concessionaire.

He also noted that the endorsement followed extensive engagement on the airport’s future and the potential effects of private-sector participation on aviation workers.

Mr Asuquo said the company intends to invest in infrastructure, improve operational standards and expand economic activities around the airport.

He described Port Harcourt’s location within the Gulf of Guinea as an advantage that could strengthen its role in regional commerce, investment and connectivity.

“Our vision goes beyond taking over the management of the airport. We are committed to driving development, expanding opportunities and creating additional jobs through investments and the growth of airport-related activities,” he stated.

READ ALSO: EXCLUSIVE: EFCC charges former Port Harcourt, Warri refinery MDs with money laundering

He added that the company intended to unlock the airport’s economic potential and strengthen its position as an aviation and commercial hub.

PREMIUM TIMES had earlier reported that the Federal Executive Council approved the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport in November 2025, alongside other projects aimed at modernising Nigeria’s aviation infrastructure and attracting private investment.

The approval formed part of the Federal Government’s broader airport concession programme, which seeks to improve airport infrastructure, operational efficiency and commercial viability through private-sector participation.

The government has argued that private investors could provide the capital and expertise needed to expand airport facilities and develop revenue-generating activities, particularly those outside conventional aviation operations.

The concession programme is designed to attract investment into airport terminals and related services, while the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria continues to perform its statutory responsibilities.

Discover more from Premium Times Nigeria

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Business

Veritas Kapital Assurance Records 54% Growth in Total Assets to ₦54.56 Billion, Strengthens Financial Position

Published

14 hours ago

November 13, 2026

PlateauReports

Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc has recorded a 54 per cent increase in total assets to ₦54.56 billion as at September 30, 2026, compared to ₦35.40 billion recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, reflecting growth in the company’s financial position.

The company’s unaudited financial results for the nine months ended September 30, 2026, also showed a 60 per cent increase in total equity, which rose from ₦19.12 billion in 2025 to ₦30.59 billion.

This growth was supported by an increase in share capital from ₦6.93 billion to ₦14.43 billion and share premium from ₦663.6 million to ₦8.16 billion.

Further reflecting the growth in its financial position, cash and cash equivalents increased by 28 per cent, from ₦7.98 billion to ₦10.17 billion, while investment securities held at amortised cost more than doubled, rising from ₦12.45 billion to ₦25.64 billion.

The company also recorded a 34 per cent increase in net investment income, from ₦2.61 billion in the corresponding period of 2025 to ₦3.51 billion in 2026. This performance reflects the contribution of its investment portfolio to income during the period.

Commenting on the results, the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Adaobi Nwakuche, said: “Our nine-month performance reflects notable developments in our financial position, particularly the growth in our asset base, equity position and investment income.

“As we continue to build on these gains, our focus remains on strengthening our core insurance business, enhancing operational efficiency and improving overall business performance.

“Our commitment to meeting our obligations to policyholders remains central to our business as we work towards delivering sustainable value to all stakeholders.

The results also highlight areas requiring continued management attention within the company’s underwriting operations. Insurance revenue stood at ₦15.41 billion, compared to ₦16.31 billion in the corresponding period of 2025, while the company recorded a loss after tax of ₦3.84 billion, against a profit after tax of ₦4.12 billion in the previous year.

This performance was largely attributable to increased insurance service expenses and net expenses from reinsurance contracts held.

Overall, the results reflect growth in Veritas Kapital Assurance’s asset base, equity position and investment income, alongside areas for improvement in its insurance operations.

The company remains focused on strengthening its core business, enhancing operational efficiency and sustaining its commitment to delivering dependable insurance solutions and long-term value to its stakeholders.

About Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc
Veritas Kapital Assurance Plc is a Nigerian insurance company providing general insurance solutions to individuals and businesses. The company is committed to delivering reliable insurance services and building lasting relationships with its customers and stakeholders.

The post Veritas Kapital Assurance Records 54% Growth in Total Assets to ₦54.56 Billion, Strengthens Financial Position appeared first on Business Today NG.