Ghana Hosts National Dialogue on African Union Free Movement Protocol

Ghana has taken a significant step towards advancing the African Union’s vision of continental integration by hosting a two-day National Dialogue on the African Union Free Movement of Persons Protocol.

Representatives from various organisations participated in the dialogue, including the African Union, ECOWAS Commission, GIZ Ghana, ICMPD, and IOM Ghana, along with members of the CSOs Coalition on Migration Ghana and other state institutions.

Speaking at the event on Tuesday in Accra, the Deputy Minister for Interior, Mr. Ebenezer Okletey Terlarbi, highlighted the complexity of migration flows across Africa, driven by economic opportunities, social connections, environmental stress, conflict, and trade routes.

He emphasised the importance of effective migration governance to ensure a sustainable and humane movement, noting that intra-African migration far exceeds migration outside the continent.

Mr. Terlarbi pointed out Ghana’s recent implementation of a visa-free policy for all African passport holders as a step toward fostering closer ties across the continent.

He asserted that enhanced mobility would facilitate the exchange of skills, boost intra-African trade, and strengthen people-to-people connections, laying the foundation for a truly integrated African community.

Acknowledging potential challenges, including policy inconsistencies, infrastructural limitations, administrative bottlenecks, and security concerns, the Deputy Minister called for coordinated collective action to address these issues.

He urged participants to renew their commitment to speeding up the protocol’s ratification and domestication, highlighting its importance in promoting sustainable development and Pan-African ideals.

Judith Twumwaa, ISD