Effective May 25, 2026 Ghana will deploy a free visa regime for all Africans entering the country in a bid to remove barriers and foster a unified African front.
President John Mahama announced this during bilateral discussions with the Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnanagwa at the Peduase Lodge on Thursday, April 2, 2026.
“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,” the President stated.
The two leaders have also signed 10 agreements and cooperation to foster growth and economic benefits.
During a bilateral meeting earlier with President Mahama, Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa strongly criticised Western countries over a 2-decade economic sanction imposed on Zimbabwe, describing them as unjust and harmful to the Zimbabwean people.
President Mnangagwa expressed gratitude to Ghana for its consistent support during what he described as challenging times.
They mainly involve travel restrictions and asset freezes targeting selected officials and entities, along with limits on access to international financial support.
Speaking about the sanction, he emphasised the need for Africans to shape and tell their own stories, stressing the importance of controlling the continent’s narrative on the global stage.
“The importance of telling our own stories as Africans through our own lenses and narratives must continue to be emphasised,” he stated.
President Mnangagwa also revealed that Zimbabwe is seeking a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027–2028 term, and expressed appreciation to Ghana for its backing.
“Guided by our foreign policy thrust that Zimbabwe is a friend to all and an enemy to none, our country is bidding for a non-permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council for the 2027 to 2028 term.”
“We thank Ghana for your continued support as we prepare to contribute to global peace and security.”
In a strongly worded remark, the Zimbabwean leader criticised the sanctions regime, describing them as “illegal and inhuman,” and blamed them for prolonged economic hardship in his country.
“Allow me, my dear brother, to also express Zimbabwe’s deep gratitude to Ghana for your steadfast support in calling for the unconditional removal of the unjust illegal unilateral sanctions imposed on us by some stupid Western countries for more than two and a half decades,” he added.
President Mnangagwa maintained that Zimbabwe has remained resilient, achieving significant development and economic progress across various sectors.
The meeting forms part of ongoing diplomatic engagements between the two countries aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
