Dr Nana Yaw Mireku, a Ghanaian international relations analyst and lecturer renowned for his expertise in foreign policy, regional security, and global politics, has questioned Ghana’s readiness to implement its “free visa for Africans” policy.
He noted that while Ghana has similar protocols in place with ECOWAS, this may not be the first time the country has embarked on such an initiative.
However, he acknowledged the government’s explanation that previous initiatives differ significantly from this newly announced policy.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, Dr Mireku clarified that waiving visa fees does not exempt travellers from rigorous screening.
He explained that all applicants, as indicated by the authorities, will still be required to undergo a standard visa application process; the only difference is that the visa will be issued gratis. He further noted that the government is set to introduce an e-Visa policy next month.
The lecturer emphasised that the removal of fees is not synonymous with automatic entry into Ghana, as there will be no unvetted or automatic admissions.
Dr Mireku raised concerns regarding Ghana’s preparedness, questioning whether the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of the Interior, and other stakeholders have made adequate investments to support the policy.
“In implementing this policy, the question to ask is whether we have the logistics and measures in place to smoothly run the initiative.”
He highlighted that Ghana is already home to over 700,000 African nationals from various countries, many of whom are found begging on the streets—a situation he believes the state has yet to address effectively.
“The discussion we need to have is to examine the economic benefits or the impact on Ghana’s revenue generation. Have we done any cost analysis before deciding to implement this policy? Visa applicants usually pay for the services, and that was a significant source of revenue we generated; now that we will give it out for free, that will be a source of revenue that we would be deprived of. Number two, do we have the logistics to keep this programme running? Do we have the systems in place to deal with any challenges?
Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa had admitted that the previous government started this but failed to put in place the needed logistics, but the new government has put in place the logistics. The question then is, beyond the online process, do we have the logistics? We are already complaining that Nigerians and other nationals have taken over the retail markets which are reserved for Ghanaians. Have we done the cost and benefit analysis? We already have over 700,000 other African nationals in Ghana; what is the number of police personnel we have? How many hospitals do we have? What is our immigration infrastructure and capacity?”
Dr Mireku proposed that there must be serious collaboration between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and the Interior, alongside other relevant agencies, to ensure the policy is implemented smoothly.
While he admitted there are positive aspects to the move—including the promotion of Pan-African ideals and potential boosts to trade and the economy—he urged that these benefits must be weighed against the potential challenges.
He added that while increased foot traffic for trade could generate revenue elsewhere, the state must remain vigilant regarding the risks.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana