Ghana to Launch Free Visa Policy for Africans as President Mahama and Mnangagwa Sign Landmark Bilateral Agreements

President John Dramani Mahama has announced a groundbreaking free visa policy for all African nationals, set to take effect on May 25, 2026, to coincide with Africa Day. This historic declaration was made during a three-day state visit by Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa to Accra. The visit, characterized by full military honors and high-level diplomatic engagements, underscores a renewed commitment to Pan-Africanism and the strengthening of ties between the two nations. President Mahama emphasized that the initiative is designed to transform Ghana into a primary hub for tourism and investment by removing travel barriers for continental neighbors.

The new visa regime will allow African travelers to obtain e-visas online at no cost. This move follows a broader strategy of regional integration; President Mahama revealed that Ghana has signed 23 visa waiver agreements since 2025 to facilitate easier movement for citizens. During the bilateral discussions, both leaders highlighted the importance of intra-African trade and the necessity of creating a seamless environment for the private sector. The policy is expected to position Ghana as a leader in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) framework by fostering a more open and accessible economy.

In addition to the visa reforms, Ghana and Zimbabwe solidified their partnership by signing 10 landmark Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). These agreements span critical sectors including health, energy, tourism, trade, agriculture, and waste management. President Mnangagwa paid an emotional tribute to Ghana during a state banquet, acknowledging the country as a vital training ground for Zimbabwean freedom fighters during their liberation struggle. He emphasized that the bond between the two countries is rooted in a shared history of resistance against colonialism and a mutual desire for sustainable development.

To ensure these agreements deliver tangible benefits, the leaders revitalized the Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC), which will meet every two years to monitor progress. The visit also included symbolic and practical engagements, such as a wreath-laying ceremony at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park and tours of the Sweden Ghana Medical Centre and the Accra Compost and Recycling Plant. As both presidents called for increased global cooperation and the adherence to international law, the state visit concluded with a clear roadmap for a more integrated and prosperous future for both nations and the African continent at large.