Ghana has now joined Rwanda, Seychelles, Gambia and Benin Republic as the only five African countries offering visa-free entry to African travelers, reports Political Economist NG.

Ghana’s outgoing President Nana Akufo-Addo on Friday in his final state of the nation address announced visa-free travel for all African passport holders from the start of this year, marking a step towards continental economic integration. He steps down on January 6 after two terms in office.

“I am proud to have approved visa-free travel to Ghana for all African passport holders, with effect from the beginning of this year,” Akufo-Addo said in his speech to parliament.

“This is the logical next step to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the workings of the largest trading bloc in the world.

“All these are essential elements to the realisation of the AU’s Agenda 2063, which envisages an integrated and connected Africa by 2063,” said.

Political Economist NG reports that African Union has a development blueprint for a 50-year period during which a connected Africa is hoped to be achieved.

Political Economist NG  reports that before the latest development, Ghana had a pre-existing visa-free access to citizens of only 26 African nations and visas on arrival for travellers from 25 others. Only two African countries – Eritrea and Morocco – required a visa before entry.

Akufo-Addo hands over power to John Mahama, who won the December elections resoundingly in a rare rebound to power.