Ghana team calls for Visa-free Africa
29 Sep 2025
Minister for State President has reaffirmed Botswana’s support for a
continent-wide visa-free regime.
Minister Moeti Mohwasa was welcoming a delegation from Ghana undertaking the ambitious Trans
Africa Tourism and Unity Campaign.
The Ghana team, led by Mr Ras Mubarak, paid a courtesy call on Minister Mohwasa in Gaborone on Sepetmber 29,
as part of their 40 000-kilometre, 39-country road journey, a Pan-African initiative advocating for
seamless intra-African travel. Botswana was the 11th stopover for the campaign.
In his address, Mr Mohwasa applauded the delegation for their efforts through a campaign he
said captured the spirit of unity, resilience and the future envisioned for the continent.
“Your road journey across 39 African countries is no small feat. It is a demonstration of what is
possible when Africans come together with shared purpose to break down borders, promote intra-
African travel and advocate for a visa-free Africa,” the minister said.
He said Botswana applauded the mission to promote seamless intra-African tourism and advocate
for a continental visa-free regime.
The objective, he said, aligned strongly with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which aimed to
facilitate the free movement of people, goods and services across the continent.
The minister also highlighted Botswana’s strategic position in African tourism, particularly its
leadership in sustainable tourism, wildlife conservation and stewardship of the Okavango Delta, a
UNESCO World Heritage Site.
“We see the tourism sector not only as a revenue generator but also as a powerful tool for people-
to-people connectivity, youth empowerment and peacebuilding,” he added.
He further affirmed Botswana’s openness to further exploring bilateral and multilateral pathways to
enhance visa-free mobility.
The minister commended the delegation’s leadership for their courage and unwavering belief in
Africa’s future, saying “Botswana stands with you in solidarity, in principle and in purpose.”
“Your visit here, marking your 11th stopover, is a reflection of the strategic and symbolic importance
Botswana holds in this continental journey. We are pleased that our values of stability, governance,
environmental stewardship and economic inclusivity are resonant with the ideals your campaign
espouses,” the minister said.
For his part, the head of delegation and former Member of Parliament for Kumbungu Constituency,
Mr Mubarak described the campaign, endorsed by the government of Ghana and countries including
Angola, DRC and Gabon, as a testament of commitment to the Pan-African ideals.
“The objective of our campaign is to passionately appeal to governments in our continent for the
implementation of a V4, a visa-free policy for all African nationals,” he said.
He highlighted that a visa-free Africa, envisioned since the 1960s by African founding fathers like
Kwame Nkrumah, would spurgrowth and create necessary jobs, especially in the tourism sectors.
Mr Mubarak urged African governments to adopt the policy sooner than the African Union’s 2063
vision, arguing that prolonged delays would deny opportunities to Africa’s youthful population.
He also praised Botswana’s efficiency, saying the delegation had a positive experience at the border,
which took less than 45 minutes for passport stamping as compared to the four hours of waiting and
bureaucratic bottlenecks they experienced in other countries.
The delegation also presented a letter addressed to President Advocate Duma Boko.
As they prepared to continue their journey to South Africa, Mr Mubarak commended Botswana’s
victory in the men’s 4x400m men relay, saying it was as an inspiring story to all.
Meanwhile, the 163-day epic journey began on August 18, traversing West, Central and Southern
Africa. From Accra, Ghana to Namibia and Botswana, the team has already been to 10 countries, including
Togo, Benin, Nigeria, Cameroon, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon Democratic Republic of Congo and
Angola.
“The journey has been a powerful testament to the strength of unity. As we explored diverse
landscapes, cultures and people, we forged unbreakable bonds and unforgettable memories,” said
the team’s press officer, Mr Eryk Agyapong.
The team arrived in Botswana on September 27 and will depart on October 1. ENDS
Source : BOPA
Author : BOPA
Location : Gaborone
Event : Minister Engagement
Date : 29 Sep 2025
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