We are committed to free visa for all Africans this year – Akufo-Addo

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo has said processes have begun toward the implementation of a visa-free regime for all Africans to the country.

He emphasised that he is committed to completing the free visa process before the end of his term as President early next year.

“The government of Ghana is committed to ensuring visa-free for all Africans, for all Africans travelling into our country, and the process has begun to get the policy implemented this year,” he said

He said this at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2024 at the Peduase Presidential Lodge in the Eastern Region, where the President underscored the need for economic integration.

He stressed the need for the various African countries to devote their energies toward facilitating free movement of people, goods and services across the continent.

Through this, he said the continent can transform its prospects into prosperity as free movement of goods and services is critical to realising the benefits of regional integration and trade and ultimately, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) emerged as a transformative force, unifying the continent’s trade efforts toward balance and diversity. With a mission to establish a unified continental market among the African Union’s 55 member countries and eight Regional Economic Communities (RECs), AfCFTA seeks to harness the potential of a population exceeding 1.3 billion and a combined GDP of around US$3.4trillion.

Speaking in line with the theme of the 2024 APD – Delivering Prosperity in Africa: Produce, Add Value, Trade – the President reiterated that though Africa accounts for just three percent of the about US$25.3 trillion global trade, the continent must take robust measures to unlock its full trade potential.

He added that: “To unlock the full potential of trade, let us prioritise the development of efficient transportation and logistics infrastructure, streamline trade processes and embrace digital technology that facilitates cross boarder transactions without the need to depend on outside currencies”.

He said the continent must ensure the resilience of key sectors such as agribusiness as well as ascertain how the private and public sectors can work as a united force towards realising the “Africa we hope for”.

“We must strengthen ourselves to work hand in hand with our governments in a free and fair democratic system of governance that promotes save and sound legal and institutional frameworks,” Mr. Akufo-Addo added.

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