Questions are emerging over Ghana’s newly announced free e-visa policy for African travellers, with critics arguing that the initiative falls short of delivering genuine visa-free access.
The policy, set to take effect on May 25, 2026, was recently introduced by the government as part of Africa Day celebrations, with officials highlighting it as a major step toward promoting intra-African travel.
However, the Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has challenged that narrative, insisting the system still requires travellers to undergo a formal application and approval process.
According to him, although visa fees have been removed, the requirement for prior digital authorisation under the e-visa framework undermines the concept of visa-free travel. He argued that true visa-free regimes should allow travellers to enter a country without any pre-approval procedures.
The concerns follow clarifications by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who acknowledged that the policy remains part of a structured e-visa system despite the waiver of fees.
Mr Ayeh emphasised that while digital systems can improve efficiency and border security, they should not create additional barriers to movement across the continent. He called for clearer communication from government on what the policy means in practice for travellers.
The discussion has sparked broader debate about how best to balance security, technology, and the goal of seamless mobility within Africa, as countries continue to explore policies aimed at deepening regional integration.
