Ghana pushes for ratification of AU Free Movement Protocol

 Ghana has in­tensified efforts to ratify the African Union’s Free Movement of Persons (AU FMP) Protocol by hosting a two-day National Dialogue in Accra.

The meeting, organised by the Ministry of the Interior in partnership with the Coalition of CSOs in Migration, Ghana (CCMG), with support from the German Development Coopera­tion and the International Centre for Migration Policy Develop­ment (ICMPD), brought together stakeholders from the AU, GIZ Ghana, ICMPD, IOM Ghana, government agencies, and civil society to build momentum for ratification.

Deputy Minister for the Inte­rior, Ebenezer Okletey Terlabi, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to regional integration under the AU’s Agenda 2063, describing the dialogue as a platform to “align national perspectives and stimulate informed debate” on the protocol.

Dr Olamuyiwa Oluwafemi Solomon of the AU Commission stressed the protocol’s role in en­hancing trade, alongside the Afri­can Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). GIZ Ghana’s David Robert said free movement represents a “strategic economic opportunity” for Africa and partner regions like Europe.

Mr Eric Peasah of the CSOs Coalition noted Africa’s historic mobility and trade traditions, contrasting them with restrictive visa regimes that hinder integra­tion.

Rwanda’s experience, where removing visa barriers boosted tourism and hospitality revenues, was cited as a success story.

The dialogue concluded with a communiqué committing ministries, agencies, and CSOs to intensify efforts toward ratifica­tion by December 2027, recog­nising parliament’s critical role in advocacy, policy coherence, and stakeholder engagement.

 BY TIMES REPORTER

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