The Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, has reaffirmed government’s commitment to the vision of a borderless Africa, describing visa restrictions as barriers that weaken the continent’s shared identity.
Speaking at the launch of the Trans-Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign in Accra yesterday, Mr Debrah said the initiative was an important step in uniting Africans and unlocking economic opportunities through regional integration.
“Visa barriers fragment our shared African identity. The government of Ghana envisions a continent where Africans travel freely, boosting trade, tourism, and unity,” he stated.
He commended the organisers and their sponsors for leading what he described as a “journey to unite Africa and push for the removal of visa restrictions to help develop the continent.”
Mr Debrah also reflected on his personal experiences travelling across Africa, cautioning the campaign team to take their security seriously and avoid driving at night during their cross-continental tour.
Highlighting the economic potential of free movement, he said tourism already contributed over $190 billion annually to Africa’s GDP but remained constrained by restrictive visa regimes. “A visa-free Africa could double intra-African tourism, boosting local economies and creating jobs,” he added.
The Trans-Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign, which began in Accra yesterday, will see campaigners embark on a 163-day, 40,000-kilometre journey across the continent to advocate for visa-free travel, meet African heads of government, and engage the media to push for stronger unity.
