In a groundbreaking announcement, the Ghanaian government has pledged its unwavering commitment to introducing a visa-free policy for all Africans traveling to the country, with the initiative set to be realized within the year. President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo made this significant declaration at the second edition of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues conference held at Peduase Lodge in the Eastern Region on Thursday.
President Akufo-Addo revealed special arrangements to reduce visa acquisition fees by 50% and allow for visa-on-arrival throughout the year, emphasizing the government’s dedication to fostering seamless movement within the continent.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogues, held against the picturesque backdrop of Aburi in Ghana, attracted distinguished African personalities, including the former President of Mozambique, the Chairperson of the Africa Forum, and the Deputy Speaker of the Parliament of Egypt.
Welcoming the delegates, President Akufo-Addo highlighted Africa’s abundance in natural resources and its potential for transformation into a global powerhouse. The event’s theme, “Produce, Add Value, Trade,” underscored the importance of industrialization, value addition, and infrastructure investment to support the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative.
President Akufo-Addo acknowledged the pivotal role of the private sector in driving AfCFTA’s success and called for collective commitment to realizing its promises. Addressing historical challenges, including colonial economic models, he stressed the significance of sustainable farming practices, infrastructure development, and technology adoption.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogues aimed to mobilize Africa’s private sector to actively participate in and support the AfCFTA initiative. President Akufo-Addo urged participants to move beyond rhetoric, fostering actionable plans for transformative change. The event concluded with the declaration of the second edition of the African Prosperity Gala, symbolizing a commitment to shared prosperity on the continent.
Source: Classfmonline.com