Free visa policy not truly visa-free – Bosome Freho MP

Questions are being raised about how “free” Ghana’s new e-visa policy really is, as some lawmakers argue that the system may not deliver the fully seamless travel experiences many expect.

The Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, one of such people, has expressed concerns that the policy, though well-intentioned, still places administrative steps on travellers who go against the idea of true visa-free movement.

The government recently announced that Ghana will introduce a free electronic visa system for African travellers from May 25, 2026, as part of Africa Day celebrations.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ghana clarified that while visa fees will be waived, travellers will still need to apply and go through an approval process.

But the MP believes this distinction matters.

“Crucially, as has already been indicated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the ‘Free Visa for Africans’ policy is a component of the broader e-visa initiative,” he stated.

He explained that even without a fee, the requirement to apply in advance changes the experience for travellers and falls short of what many understand as visa-free travel.

“It is not, in strict terms, a visa-free regime, but rather a digitised, pre-authorisation system, albeit one that does not impose a financial charge,” he stated.

For him, true visa-free access should allow Africans to travel without going through any prior approval process, making movement across borders easier and more spontaneous.

“Visa-free travel, in its true sense, eliminates the need for prior application or pre-authorisation, thereby allowing travellers to move with minimal administrative impediment,” he noted.

He also raised a broader question about what kind of system best serves African travellers.

“It is, therefore, legitimate to pose a simple but critical question. From the perspective of an African traveller, which regime is more facilitative? One that permits travel without prior administrative processes, or one that conditions travel on prior digital application and approval?” he queried.

While acknowledging the benefits of digital systems in improving efficiency and security, the MP cautioned that such tools should not become obstacles.

“Digital systems can enhance efficiency, security, and coordination. However, such systems must operate in a manner that complements, rather than constrains, the overarching objective of free movement,” he added.

He is now calling on the government to provide clearer communication on how the policy will work in practice, so that travellers can better understand what to expect when it takes effect.

NA/AE