Ghana Ramps Up Efforts to Ratify AU Free Movement Protocol
Ghana has stepped up its commitment to ratifying the African Union’s Free Movement of Persons (AU FMP) Protocol by hosting a two-day National Dialogue in Accra. The event, held by the Ministry of the Interior in collaboration with the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations in Migration, Ghana (CCMG), was supported by the German Development Cooperation and the International Centre for Migration Policy Development (ICMPD).
The gathering brought together a diverse group of stakeholders, including representatives from the African Union, GIZ Ghana, ICMPD, IOM Ghana, government institutions, and civil society groups. The goal was to build collective momentum toward Ghana’s official endorsement of the protocol.
Speaking at the event, Deputy Interior Minister Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to regional integration, as envisioned in the AU’s Agenda 2063. He emphasized that the dialogue served as a vital space for harmonizing national views and encouraging meaningful discussion around the protocol.
Dr. Olamuyiwa Oluwafemi Solomon from the AU Commission highlighted how the protocol complements broader continental initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM), all aimed at boosting intra-African trade and economic growth.
David Robert of GIZ Ghana described free movement as a “strategic opportunity” not only for Africa but also for its international partners, including Europe. Echoing this, Eric Peasah from the CSOs Coalition spoke about Africa’s long-standing traditions of mobility and trade, which have increasingly been disrupted by modern-day visa restrictions that pose challenges to deeper integration.
Rwanda was spotlighted as a successful example—its decision to lift visa requirements has significantly boosted its tourism and hospitality sectors.
The dialogue wrapped up with a joint communiqué in which ministries, agencies, and civil society groups pledged to accelerate efforts toward ratifying the protocol by December 2027. The statement also acknowledged the essential role of Parliament in pushing forward advocacy, ensuring aligned policies, and strengthening collaboration among stakeholders.
