Trade, tourism, educational and cultural exchange across Africa is set for a boost following President John Mahama’s new visa policy.

President John Dramani Mahama announced the policy on April 2, during bilateral talks with Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa in Ghana’s Eastern Region at the Peduase Presidential Lodge. He said Ghana will introduce a visa-free regime for all African nationals starting May 25 to coincide with Africa Day.

He said, “I am also pleased to announce that, effective 25th May, 2026, when we commemorate Africa Day, Ghana will commence a free visa regime for all Africans. Africans travelling to Ghana will receive their e-visas online free of charge,” President Mahama announced at the end of a bilateral meeting with his visiting Zimbabwean counterpart, President Emmerson Mnangagwa, at the Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region.

However, President Mahama noted that citizens of Ghana and Zimbabwe do not require visas to travel between the two countries.

“But between Ghana and Zimbabwe are in-laws, have a visa-free environment already. We can travel to each other’s countries without needing a visa. You just hop onto the plane and arrive in each other’s country.”

Ghana identifies as a cradle of Pan-Africanism, President Mahama said; consequently, it has a historic responsibility to remain open to Africans across the continent, adding that Ghanaians are firmly of the view that African governments must accelerate the integration agenda for which Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah toiled and sacrificed.

He noted that the visa-free policy forms part of a broader e-visa reform programme to be rolled out in May this year.

He, however, assured the safety of all tourists and visitors while ensuring that the security of Ghana remains uncompromised, adding that while it has announced free visas for all Africans, it shall continue to pursue visa waivers for Ghanaians as well as from other countries.

“Let me assure the public that adequate systems have been put in place to protect prospective visitors and to ensure that the security of our nation is not compromised. At the same time, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to pursue additional visa waiver agreements for Ghanaians, holders of all kinds of Ghanaian passports,” he said.

Visa waivers secured so far by govt

According to President Mahama, his government, since assuming office in 2025, has signed 23 such visa waiver agreements, as part of efforts to enhance the value of the Ghanaian passport and ease travel for our citizens.

President Mahama said the Government of Ghana and the Government of Zimbabwe were determined to ensure their full and effective implementation so that their people might derive measurable and lasting benefits from them.

On continental and global issues, President Mahama said they affirmed their shared commitment to pan-Africanism, African solidarity and closer collaboration with the African Union, the United Nations and other multilateral platforms.

He said they would continue to work to further advance their common positions and protect their shared interests in an increasingly complex international environment.

“We also reviewed the current geopolitical situation marked by deepening conflict, supply chain disruptions and volatility in global energy markets,” he said.

“We exchanged views on these developments and reiterated the importance of dialogue and diplomacy, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity and adherence to international law in addressing current global challenges.”

President Mahama said they remain committed to supporting a just and equitable international world order that fairly serves the interests of all nations.

He noted that President Mnangagwa’s State visit had been productive, substantive and forward-looking.

Adding that it had provided them with a clear roadmap, renewed political will and fresh momentum to deepen the relations between Ghana and Zimbabwe.

“On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana, I wish to thank my brother, His Excellency President Mnangagwa, and his delegation for honouring us with this state visit and for the spirit of partnership that has characterised our discussions,” he said.

He said the state visit had provided them with an important opportunity to elevate their bilateral relations to a higher strategic level.

“We remain rooted in the shared ideals of Pan-Africanism, South-South cooperation, and a shared aspiration for African prosperity,” he said.