Security analyst Andrews Asiedu Tetteh has voiced significant criticism regarding the government’s decision to offer visa-free entry to citizens of other African nations, citing a lack of adequate consultation and comprehensive security assessments.
He observed that the President’s announcement appeared to be preemptive, seemingly bypasssing thorough stakeholder engagement and the necessary technical analysis required for such a shift in border policy.
In his estimation, while the intentions behind the move may be positive in terms of continental integration, the initiative poses substantial security risks to the state if it is not managed with extreme caution.
Ghana will introduce a free visa regime for all African nationals starting May 25, 2026, to boost continental integration and economic cooperation.
The policy will allow African travelers to obtain e-visas online at no cost, as part of efforts to modernise immigration processes and strengthen Ghana’s position as a hub for Pan-Africanism, tourism, and intra-African trade.
But Mr Tetteh emphasised that the requirement for visitors to obtain visas before entering a sovereign nation exists for fundamental reasons.
These measures are designed to vet individuals who may pose security threats, identify those with criminal inclinations, and maintain a clear understanding of the foreign population residing within the country.
He further noted that a considerable portion of the criminal activity currently being witnessed across the country involves foreign nationals.
According to the analyst, Ghanaians were previously unaccustomed to the current levels and types of crime, suggesting that the influx of foreigners has contributed to this shift in the domestic security landscape.
Regarding the specific implications of the policy, Mr Tetteh stated:”We have not finished dealing with these kinds of crimes and all of a sudden we have announced plans to offer free visas to other Africans. A lot of murders, ritual killings, and other forms of crimes are increasing because some of the foreigners here are the key suspects. I don’t know the consultation President John Dramani Mahama did before agreeing to this, but I think he has to rescind it. The negative effects of this initiative will outweigh the positives. We already have foreign nationals from Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Senegal who are involved in galamsey alongside some Ghanaians.”
He continued by highlighting specific sectors of concern:
“Take prostitution for example; although there are Ghanaians involved, the majority of such individuals are foreign nationals from other countries. President Mahama should come again. He should provide justification for this initiative or he must rescind it. It is a wrong move, but it is not too late to rescind the decision.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana