Business
Ghana Moves to Boost Trade, Tourism with Visa-Free Access for Africans
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.
Business
FAAN announces additional health screening measures, enhanced Ebola surveillance at Nigerian airports
The Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) has assured travellers and other airport users that enhanced health surveillance measures have been activated across the country’s international airports following renewed Ebola concerns in parts of Central Africa.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, FAAN said the measures were introduced in collaboration with Port Health Services, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) and other relevant agencies to strengthen preparedness and prevent possible health risks.
According to the authority, surveillance and passenger monitoring have been intensified, particularly for travellers arriving from high-risk regions.
“Passengers are being screened for symptoms associated with Ebola, and any suspected case will be promptly isolated and subjected to secondary health checks in line with established national and international health protocols,” the statement said.
FAAN noted that additional emergency response procedures have also been reinforced while airport personnel have undergone increased sensitisation as part of precautionary efforts.
The authority stressed that there is currently no confirmed Ebola case in Nigeria but said it remains vigilant in safeguarding public health and ensuring safe airport operations.
“FAAN remains vigilant and fully committed to safeguarding public health and maintaining safe airport operations,” the agency stated.
READ ALSO: FAAN nabs four unauthorised persons at Akure airport
Passengers were also advised to remain calm, cooperate with health screening procedures and report any symptoms to health officials at the airports.
The development comes as health authorities across parts of Africa continue to monitor Ebola-related concerns and strengthen border surveillance to prevent cross-border transmission.
Nigeria’s aviation and health authorities have previously activated similar emergency screening measures during periods of global and regional disease outbreaks, including the COVID-19 pandemic and earlier Ebola scares.
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