Fellow Africans traveling to Ghana are charged $200 to get visa-on-arrival, except those from ECOWAS countries and a few others. Meanwhile, Ghana announced visa-free policy for all Africans, and this generated excitement and praise from Africa and beyond regarding this progressive policy. Unfortunately, the previous government announced this without a corresponding policy change. So many Africans arrive at the airport or borders only to be blocked by a $200 fee for visa-on-arrival. 

Background

Ghana’s visa policy positions it as a relatively open and accessible country within Africa, ranking 4th with a Visa Openness Index (VOI) of 0.883 according to AfDB’s African Visa Openness Report. Ghana offers visa-free entry to citizens from 26 African countries, positioning itself to reap the benefits of regional integration and facilitating intra-African trade and tourism. Additionally, Ghana offers a visa-on-arrival option for 26 other African countries, making it even more accessible. 

However, the visa-on-arrival costs $200 for African visitors. This prohibitive visa fee is among the highest visa fees in Africa, thus defeating the intent behind the policy. Additionally, even though Ghana signed the AU Free Movement Protocol on 21st March 2018, the country is yet to ratify it.

Why Ghana should remove the $200 visa fee for Africans

1. Ghana’s historic role in Pan-Africanism                                                                                                                                  Historically, no country has pushed for African unity more than Ghana especially insofar as the legacy of Kwame Nkrumah is concerned. This has undoubtedly placed the country in a unique position throughout the world as the beacon of hope not only for continental Africans but also for the diaspora. Making travel to Ghana more affordable for Africans and ratifying the Free Movement Protocol will be a significant boost to Ghana’s leadership in advancing African unity in the 21st Century. 

2. Boosting Trade and Tourism 

   Evidence shows that African countries like Rwanda and Seychelles who have implemented a total visa-free entry policy have benefited tremendously from increased tourism and trade.

   Visa-free travel would stimulate trade and investment by lowering the costs and administrative hurdles associated with mobility. African entrepreneurs will find it easier to explore opportunities in Ghana, fostering innovation and collaboration. Ghana could serve as a hub for manufacturing, logistics, and services as regional value chains are stimulated. Additionally, tourism in Ghana stands to benefit significantly from increased intra-African mobility. Increased ease of travel would encourage more visitors to explore Ghana’s rich cultural heritage, historical landmarks, and vibrant festivals, further boosting the country's economic growth and international appeal.

3. Aligning policies with regional leadership role in advancing intra-African trade and free movement under the AfCFTA

   In line with its historic role, Ghana plays host the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat among several other Pan-African institutions. Making travel to Ghana more affordable would further align Ghana’s policies with its vision for African integration. As a key player in the AfCFTA, Ghana stands to benefit from seamless trade and unrestricted movement of goods, services, and people across borders.

4. In line with the new Government’s renewed commitment and efforts

   It is important to recognize that the new government has publicly declared its commitment to Pan-Africanism. For example, by extending a hand of friendship to its neighbours in the Sahel. The Minister of Foreign Affairs articulates clearly the Pan-African vision of African unity as the panacea to Africa’s challenges. Advancing free movement of African people is a practical step towards achieving this vision. 

Our Asks

For the above reasons and more, we the undersigned duly petition the President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama through the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa to

1. abolish the $200 visa fees for African travelers to Ghana

2. ratify the African Union Free Movement of Persons Protocol, which Ghana has already signed but is yet to ratify.