Ghanaian president approves visa-free entry for all Africans

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has granted approval for visa-free entry to Ghana for all African nationals, fulfilling a key promise made earlier this year.

The policy is expected to take effect before the end of the president’s term on January 6th, 2025.

Citi Newsroom (CNR) reports that this places Ghana among the few African nations offering visa-free access to all African passport holders, joining Rwanda, Seychelles, The Gambia, and Benin.

The move is a step toward improving the movement of people, goods, and services across the continent, and it is expected to foster greater economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Policy goal: improving continental integration 

According to Citi New Room (CNR), in his keynote speech at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2024, Akufo-Addo stressed the importance of the new policy in promoting economic growth. He emphasized that the visa-free initiative would significantly contribute to the goals of the AfCFTA by ensuring easier movement across African borders.

This policy aims to reduce barriers for African citizens traveling to Ghana and increase opportunities for trade and collaboration within the continent.

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Commitment to the policy 

While delivering his address under the theme “Developing Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, and Trade,” Akufo-Addo acknowledged the challenges many African citizens face when traveling within the continent. “Many of you had to acquire a visa to attend this event,” he said, highlighting the barriers that still exist.

He reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to visa-free travel for all African nationals, noting that steps had already been taken to implement the policy this year.

Expected impact on the AfCFTA 

The introduction of visa-free travel is seen as an important step toward achieving the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which aims to create a single continental market for goods and services.

By removing visa requirements, Ghana is fostering deeper economic integration and making it easier for people to move freely across the continent. This aligns with the broader objectives of AfCFTA to stimulate intra-African trade and improve economic cooperation among African nations.

Implementation timeline 

The new visa-free entry policy will be in effect before the end of President Akufo-Addo’s term on January 6th, 2025. The president’s approval of the initiative marks the beginning of its implementation, with the Ghanaian government taking the necessary steps to roll out the policy.

The move is expected to enhance Ghana’s role in the region and strengthen its ties with neighboring African countries.

Ghanaian president approves visa-free entry for all Africans

France offering Nigeria money to destabilise my country – Niger Republic leader

Niger Republic’s Head of State, General Abdourahamane Tiani, has alleged that France is providing financial support to Nigerian authorities to establish a military base in Borno State.

Tiani said the plan is purportedly to destabilize Niger and its neighboring countries.

Zagazola Makama, a Lake Chad Basin counterterrorism and insurgency expert, made this known in a post on his X handle on Wednesday.

Makama said the Niger’s junta leader made the claim during a recent address, accusing France of meddling in the region and harboring ulterior motives.

“France has even offered to give money to Nigerian authorities to establish a base in Borno State, with the sole aim of destabilizing our countries.

“We have informed Nigerian authorities, including Nuhu Ribadu and Ahmed Abubakar Rufa’i, of a massive conspiracy to destabilize Niger.

“The Gaba Forest, located on the border between Sokoto (Nigeria) and Niger, was chosen as a base by terrorists recruited by France and ISWAP.

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“Unfortunately, it seems we have chosen our interlocutors badly, because it is their skills that have been exploited by France in an attempt to destabilize us on the Niger, Nigeria, Benin and Burkina Faso borders,” Makama quoted a statement purportedly made by General Tiani.

The security expert stated that the assertion marks the latest in a series of accusations directed at France by the Nigerien leader.

He said the development reflects the deteriorating relations between Niger and its former colonial power following the military coup in July 2023.

“Tiani’s administration has consistently accused France of interfering in Niger’s internal affairs and supporting factions opposed to the ruling junta,” Makama said.

In his analysis, the security experts tated that General Tiani’s allegations appear to be grounded more in speculation than substantiated fact.

He said, “These allegations seem part of a broader narrative aimed at isolating Nigeria due to its strong ties with France.”

Makama argued that such continued, unfounded accusations against Nigeria pose a significant threat to diplomatic relations between the two nations.

“General Tiani’s accusations not only undermine these important initiatives but also risk fueling unnecessary tensions between nations that share a common goal of achieving stability and peace in the Sahel region,” he added.

France offering Nigeria money to destabilise my country – Niger Republic leader

Cyclone kills 94, over 700 injured in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe

At least 94 persons have been killed by cyclone Chido in Mozambique since it made landfall in the country last week, the National Institute of Risk and Disaster Management has said.

It also revealed that 768 people were injured, and more than 622,000 people affected by the natural disaster, which has thrown the country into national mourning.

The same cyclone wreaked havoc in the French Indian Ocean territory of Mayotte before moving on to Mozambique, Malawi, and Zimbabwe.

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The natural disaster hit Mozambique on December 15 with winds of 260 km/h (160mph) and 250 mm of rainfall in the first 24 hours.

The storm struck northern provinces that are regularly battered by cyclones, although it first reached Cabo Delgado before travelling further inland to Niassa and Nampula.

According to the INGD, the cyclone impacted the education and health sector, with more than 109,793 students affected with school infrastructure severely damaged.

Cyclone kills 94, over 700 injured in Mozambique, Malawi, Zimbabwe