Mahama’s push for visa-free Africa reflects Nkrumah’s Pan-African vision – Rashid Tanko

The Deputy Director of Elections and Information Technology for the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Rashid Tanko-Computer, has stated that President John Dramani Mahama’s push for visa-free travel across Africa aligns with the Pan-African vision of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.

He argued that the current administration’s policies on regional integration and free movement represent a continuation of Nkrumah’s long-standing goal of a united and economically integrated African continent.

Speaking on AM Show on JoyNews on Monday, April 6, Mr. Tanko-Computer described President Mahama as an emerging global figure, attributing this to his growing diplomatic influence and international engagements.

“You will see that the ideas that Dr Kwame Nkrumah was trying to push, the current president is pushing those ideas. And that is why he's now become like a global icon. Look at what he achieved in the UN. Unprecedented,” he said.

He further claimed that President Mahama has demonstrated significant influence on the global stage, citing a recent vote at the United Nations where, according to him, the President was able to mobilise broad international support.

“For an African leader to go and marshal the Western world, 123 of them, to vote in favour of a motion that he pushed, that alone tells you that he has the support of most of the African leaders here,” he added.

Mr. Tanko-Computer also suggested that President Mahama could assume a prominent leadership role within the African Union. He claimed that at an upcoming African Union gathering, the President is expected to be considered for the chairmanship, with backing from West African leaders.

According to him, these developments reflect confidence in Ghana’s leadership following the 2024 elections, which he described as a beneficial political choice for the country.

He further disclosed that President Mahama is engaged in discussions with regional counterparts to advance visa-free travel and the opening of borders across Africa. He emphasized that the initiative is being pursued without direct government funding, relying instead on cooperation among African states.

The goal, he explained, is to create a more open and accessible continental environment that promotes trade, facilitates movement, and drives economic growth across African economies.