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‘Visa-Free Africa By 2030’: Successful Campaign Returns to Accra After Touring Countries Across the Continent

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Former Member of Parliament and Pan-African advocate Ras Mubarak has renewed calls for a visa-free Africa by 2030, declaring that continental unity, open borders and expanded intra-African travel are no longer distant ideals but achievable goals.

The campaign’s cross-continental advocacy journey culminated in a warm official reception at Independence Square in Accra on January 22, 2025, led on behalf of the Government of Ghana by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Shamima Muslim.

Describing the campaign as both demanding and transformative, Mubarak credited a small but determined team—“seven men and one fearless woman”—along with media partners across Africa for helping turn advocacy into a mass movement.

“We left Accra dreaming of One Africa. We returned with proof: borders can fall, hearts can unite, tourism can boom, and unity is within reach,” Mubarak wrote in a Facebook post dated January 22, 2026.

Media, Diplomacy and Continental Solidarity

Mubarak highlighted the crucial role played by journalists and broadcasters across the continent, singling out coverage from West, East, Southern and North Africa, including cities from Monrovia to Nairobi, Luanda to Algiers. He said the sustained media attention helped elevate the campaign beyond social advocacy into a continent-wide conversation about Africa’s future.

Special recognition was given to Francis Kokutse, whom Mubarak described as the “behind-the-scenes maestro” who coordinated media outreach across multiple African countries.

The campaign also received high-level political backing. Mubarak praised Chief of Staff Julius Debrah for offering early and consistent institutional support, as well as Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, whose ministry, he said, helped position the campaign within diplomatic circles and opened doors across the continent.

“Ghana’s leadership on this Pan-African cause is crucial,” Mubarak noted, stressing the country’s historical role in advancing African unity.

Renewed Push for Open African Borders

The #VisaFreeAfricaBy2030 campaign advocates for the removal of visa restrictions among African states, arguing that freer movement would boost trade, tourism, cultural exchange and people-to-people connections, while strengthening the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

While acknowledging the difficulties of the journey, Mubarak said the campaign is entering a new phase rather than ending.

“The road doesn’t end here—it accelerates,” he wrote, urging Africans to pressure their leaders and keep the vision alive.

The message closed with a rallying call that echoed Ghana’s Pan-African legacy:
“One Africa. One people. No visas required.”

Taste GH

Experience the Rare Texture of Apapransa the Celebratory Roasted Corn Delicacy

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If you find yourself in a Ghanaian home and a bowl of Apapransa is placed before you, consider it a profound gesture of hospitality.

Unlike the ubiquitous Jollof or the reliable Fufu, Apapransa isn’t “everyday” street food. It is a celebratory labor of love, a dish that carries the weight of history and the richness of the Ga and Akan heritage in every spoonful.

At its heart, Apapransa is a testament to culinary ingenuity. It is made from roasted corn flour—which gives it a deep, nutty aroma—stirred into a savory base of palm nut soup. But it’s the texture that truly captures the imagination.

@wannabe.foodie INGREDIENTS _Palmnut soup _Roasted corn flour _Red beans _Onions _Pepper _Tomatoes _Salt _Crabs #wannabefoodie #fyp #aprapransa #foodblogger #ghanatiktok🇬🇭 #ghanaianfood #foodtiktok #trendingvideo #viral #foodtok ♬ original sound – Wannabe Foodie

It is dense, silky, and heart-warmingly heavy, often topped with a crown of tender crabs, flaky fried fish, and a drizzle of vibrant red palm oil.

What makes it a “must-taste” for any global palate? It’s the complexity of the smoke. Because the corn is roasted before it’s ground, the dish has a sophisticated, smoky undertone that balances the sweetness of the palm fruit.

Read Also: The Calabash Connection: A Journey into the Tangy Soul of Ghana’s Pito

It is earthy and bold, yet incredibly comforting. It is the kind of meal that demands you slow down; you don’t just eat Apapransa, you experience it.

For the curious traveler, tasting it is like catching a glimpse of Ghana’s soul—rich, unpretentious, and unforgettable.

Conclusion

In a world of fast food, Apapransa remains a defiant reminder that some things are worth the wait. It is a masterpiece of texture and tradition that leaves you feeling grounded and deeply satisfied.

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Tourism

Ghana and Belarus Launch Visa Waiver Negotiations to Boost Travel and Ties

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Accra, Ghana – Ghana has formally commenced negotiations with Belarus on a visa waiver agreement that would significantly ease travel between the two nations, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced following high-level talks in Minsk.

The announcement came after a bilateral meeting between Minister Ablakwa and his Belarusian counterpart, Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov, where the two sides agreed to fast-track discussions on mutual visa exemption alongside expanded cooperation in education, defence, cybersecurity, and agricultural mechanisation.

“This visa waiver negotiation is a key step toward strengthening people-to-people contacts and facilitating business, academic and cultural exchanges,” Ablakwa stated. “Both countries are committed to deepening our historic friendship through practical, mutually beneficial partnerships.”

The talks also produced concrete commitments to advance educational exchange programmes, joint defence initiatives, and cybersecurity collaboration. A major focus was placed on agriculture, with Belarus offering expertise in tractor manufacturing, modern farming technologies, and mechanised services to support Ghana’s Feed Ghana initiative under President John Dramani Mahama.

“Ghana and Belarus cherish our strong relations and we are poised to enhance our cooperation particularly in the area of mechanized agriculture and tractor production as we aim to anchor President Mahama’s Feed Ghana initiative,” the minister added.

Diplomatic relations between the two countries were established on June 5, 1992. Since then, Ghana and Belarus have held regular political consultations, including meetings on the margins of the Munich Security Conference and bilateral rounds in Accra and Minsk covering education, medicine, trade and security.

The visa waiver talks form part of Ghana’s broader visa diplomacy strategy, which has already seen negotiations launched with Pakistan and the Republic of Korea to improve global mobility for Ghanaian passport holders and attract investment and tourism.

Belarus, a major producer of agricultural machinery and tractors, is positioning itself as a strategic partner for Ghana’s push toward food security and agricultural transformation.

Officials from both sides described the current engagements as “very productive” and expressed optimism that the visa waiver and other agreements could be finalized within the coming months.

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Sights and Sounds

The African Dream in Stone: Stepping Into the Footsteps of Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah

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In the heart of Accra, where the humid Atlantic breeze meets the city’s relentless energy, lies a patch of hallowed ground that feels remarkably still.

This is the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, a site that is far more than a burial ground. It is the exact location where, in 1957, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah stood before a sea of hopeful faces and declared that “Ghana, our beloved country, is free forever.”

Today, the park has undergone a stunning $3.5 million transformation, turning it into a world-class destination that balances solemnity with modern interactive storytelling.

Whether you are a history buff or a curious traveler, this is the definitive starting point for understanding the African independence movement.

Why You Can’t Skip It

The centerpiece of the park is the Mausoleum—a striking Italian marble structure designed to resemble an upside-down sword.

In Ghanaian culture, the “sword down” posture is a powerful symbol of peace. Inside, the air is cool and quiet, housing the remains of Dr. Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia.

Read Also: Walking with Giants: Why Mole National Park is Africa’s Best-Kept Safari Secret

But the real magic happens as you explore the new additions:

  • The Audio-Visual Tunnel: Walk through a digital passage where the sights and sounds of the independence era come alive, making you feel the weight and wonder of that historic night in 1957.
  • The Freedom Wall: A beautifully curated space featuring the “States of Emotion” of the former President, offering a humanizing look at the man behind the political icon.
  • The Vintage Cadillac: For a touch of mid-century glamour, you can view the bulletproof 1957 Cadillac used by Nkrumah—a car that saw the birth of a nation from its leather seats.

A Modern Sanctuary

Beyond the history, the park is a literal breath of fresh air. The synchronized musical fountains—reminiscent of global landmarks but with a distinctly Ghanaian rhythm—provide a backdrop for the lush, landscaped gardens.

It’s a place where families, students, and global dignitaries converge, proving that Nkrumah’s dream of a united Africa is still very much a living, breathing concept.

As you leave, walking past the bronze statue of the “Osagyefo” pointing toward the future, you don’t just take away facts; you take away a sense of pride and a deeper connection to the spirit of the continent.

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