By Michael Oche
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC Africa) has commended the Government of Ghana for its decision to grant visa-free access to all Africans, urging Nigeria and other countries on the continent to adopt similar measures to promote regional integration.
In a letter of commendation signed by General Secretary Akhator Joel Odigie, ITUC Africa described Ghana’s policy which is set to take effect on May 25, as a landmark step toward advancing Pan-African unity and facilitating the free movement of people across the continent.
The organisation noted that the initiative reflects Ghana’s longstanding leadership in Pan-Africanism and represents a practical commitment to building a more integrated, people-centred Africa.
It added that the planned introduction of an e-visa system further underscores the country’s efforts to ease mobility and strengthen cooperation among African nations.
From a labour perspective, ITUC Africa said the visa-free regime would enhance labour mobility, boost intra-African trade, and deepen people-to-people connections, while reducing the vulnerabilities often associated with restrictive migration systems.
Odigie also linked the policy to the broader goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting that freer movement of people is critical to unlocking the full economic potential of the agreement.
While applauding Ghana, ITUC Africa called on Nigeria and other African countries to emulate the initiative, stressing that wider adoption of visa-free policies would accelerate continental unity and shared prosperity.
Nigeria Pilot reports that Ghana joins countries such as Rwanda, Mauritius, Seychelles, Benin Republic, and Kenya who have previously removed visa requirements for African travellers.
ITUC Africa further praised Ghana’s efforts to expand visa waiver agreements for its citizens, describing it as a demonstration of reciprocity and commitment to shared progress.
The organisation reaffirmed its readiness to work with governments and stakeholders to ensure that increased mobility across Africa is matched with strong protections for migrant workers’ rights and inclusive migration policies.
