By Ellen Hambuba
Ghanaian President JOHN MAHAMA says Africa must pursue practical reforms that deliver tangible and immediate results.
In an exclusive interview with ZNBC’s GREVAZIO ZULU during his State Visit to Zambia, President MAHAMA cited the newly signed visa-free travel agreement between Zambia and Ghana as a model for accelerating African integration.
He said the agreement, which allows citizens of both countries to travel without visas, shows how bilateral initiatives can move more swiftly than African Union protocols that have faced delays.
President MAHAMA said although free movement of people has long been discussed on the continent, progress at continental level has been slow, making it necessary for countries to take incremental steps that can later be scaled up.
He said Zambia and Ghana have chosen to lead by example, with visa-free travel expected to boost trade, tourism, business travel and people-to-people relations.
The Ghanaian leader also disclosed that discussions are underway on forming smaller regional coalitions to advance free movement, adding that success at bilateral level could encourage more African countries to join.
President MAHAMA has since returned to GHANA following a three-day State Visit to Zambia at the invitation of his counterpart, President HAKAINDE HICHILEMA.
