Visa-Free Entry for All Africans Policy is Prematured and Must Be Reconsidered

In what has been hailed by some as a bold step toward Pan-African unity, President Akufo-Addo has approved visa-free entry for all African nationals into Ghana, a policy set to take effect on January 6, 2025.

While the policy is a nod to the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision of a united and borderless Africa, it raises a fundamental question: why now? After years of controversial governance that many believe has left Ghana in shambles, is this decision a genuine Pan-Africanist gesture? Is it a desperate attempt to repair a tarnished legacy or perhaps an attempt to sabotage the next government?

Throughout his presidency, Nana Akufo-Addo has faced widespread criticism for his alignment with Western interests, often earning him the unflattering title of a “puppet of the West.” His government has been accused of prioritizing foreign directives over the interests of Ghanaians. This sudden effort to embrace Pan-African ideals feels contradictory to his track record, leaving many to speculate about his true intentions.

Could this be a bid to rewrite history and reposition himself as a champion of African unity? Or is it a calculated move to sabotage the incoming government, possibly led by his political rival, John Dramani Mahama? The timing,which is a a day after the new administration is to assume power,seems too convenient to be coincidental.

President Akufo-Addo’s leadership has been marred by decisions that strained relations with neighboring countries. One glaring example is the growing tension between Ghana and Burkina Faso. Accusations that Ghana has harbored individuals hostile to Burkina Faso’s regime have created unnecessary friction at a time when regional cooperation is crucial for addressing shared security threats.

Domestically, his administration’s reputation for nepotism, corruption, and economic mismanagement has left Ghana in a precarious state. The economy is in tatters, with soaring inflation, unsustainable debt levels, and widespread unemployment. Many Ghanaians struggle daily to afford basic necessities, making the introduction of a policy that could strain public resources even further seem tone-deaf and irresponsible.

While visa-free entry might promote trade, tourism, and cultural exchange, it also comes with significant risks, especially for a nation in Ghana’s current economic state.

It may lead to further economic strain because Ghana’s fragile economy is ill-equipped to handle an influx of migrants seeking jobs, education, or asylum. The pressure on public services like healthcare, housing, and transportation could become unbearable.

Also opening borders without stringent checks increases the likelihood of cross-border crimes, including human trafficking, terrorism, and drug smuggling.Our security services are already outnumbered and this will mount more pressure on them.

With limited resources already stretched thin, competition between locals and immigrants could fuel resentment and xenophobia, leading to potential social unrest.

There could be more pitfalls to this hasty move and comparable,after South Africa relaxed visa rules it led to an influx of migrants, which contributed to xenophobic attacks and strained social services.

Kenya's open-border policies increased cross-border crimes and placed undue pressure on public infrastructure.This brings to mind the demise of Professor Kofi Awunor who died as a result of terrorist activities at the Westgate Mall in 2013.

No one disputes the ideals behind the policy; a borderless Africa is a dream worth pursuing. But dreams require careful planning and preparation, neither of which appears to have gone into this decision. Implementing such a policy without addressing Ghana’s economic woes, security vulnerabilities, and strained social systems is akin to building a house on sand,which is bound to collapse.

As the clock ticks toward January 2025, one thing is clear: this is not just about a visa policy. It’s about the legacy of a president.

Mr. President, is this a step toward Pan-African unity, or just another chapter in a story of missteps and misplaced priorities? I hope the next president can swiftly undo such a decision because Ghana is not ready.

Long Live Mother Ghana
By Dumenu Charles Selorm