UN Commends Ghana’s Visa-Free Policy for African Nationals

The UN Committee on Migrant Workers has commended Ghana for implementing a visa-free policy for all African nationals, describing it as a significant step toward rights-based migration governance.

The Committee concluded its consideration of Ghana’s second periodic report today on the implementation of the International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families.

Experts praised recent reforms while raising questions on diaspora engagement and Ghana’s 2025 migration agreement with the United States.

Sabrina Gahar, Committee Expert and Country Rapporteur, welcomed Ghana’s decision in May 2026 to allow visa-free entry for all African nationals.

She also commended the establishment of the National Coordination Mechanism on Migration in 2023, calling it an important move toward a whole-of-government approach to migration management.

Another Rapporteur, Can Ünver, noted that Ghana had lost many skilled workers to migration and asked what measures were in place to encourage the diaspora to contribute through skill-sharing and knowledge transfer.

A Committee Expert also raised concerns about the 2025 migration agreement between Ghana and the U.S. to facilitate the return of West African nationals expelled from the U.S.

The Expert said such arrangements could expose migrants to inhumane treatment, including collective expulsion and arbitrary detention, and asked how Ghana was managing the stay of nationals received under the deal.

Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment and head of Ghana’s delegation, said the country remains committed to safe, orderly and regular migration while protecting migrant rights.

Since its initial report in 2014, Ghana has introduced the national migration and national labour migration policies to guide migration in line with development and human rights.

The delegation told the Committee that Ghana’s overseas missions maintain a database of diaspora skills and are working to recruit professionals with in-demand expertise.

The Bank of Ghana has also launched a “remit to invest” campaign to encourage diaspora investment. Returnees receive reintegration packages to help them find jobs, build livelihoods, and transfer skills to their communities.

On the U.S. agreement, the delegation said any engagement with foreign states is done in accordance with Ghanaian law and constitutional arrangements.

The deal is currently under review by the Supreme Court, and the government cannot comment further until the Court issues a decision. Ghana, it added, will comply fully with any orders from the Court.

In closing remarks, Ms Gahar said the Committee recognised Ghana’s efforts to strengthen migration governance but stressed the need for continued action to ensure policies remain grounded in human rights.

Mr Pelpuo reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to humane, rights-based and development-oriented migration governance.

Committee Chair Prasad Kariyawasam thanked Ghana for the dialogue, noting the shared goal of promoting and consolidating migrant workers’ rights.

Click to read more: https://opemsuo.com/author/hajara-fuseini/