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Ras Mubarak writes: Africa must unite to dismantle visa barriers

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Published : Tuesday July 22 2025

Published: 6:10Am

As we count down to the start of the Trans African Tourism and Unity Campaign, we face a sobering reality. Our team of 12 Ghanaians, four of whom are media crew from Ghana Television, will spend $11,520 in visa fees to travel across 39 African countries.

This staggering cost, just to move freely on our own continent, – our own homeland – is a painful reminder of the colonial borders that still divide us. As a friend recently remarked, “Why must I pay to visit my brother in another neighborhood?” Even capitalist Europe has largely abandoned visas for EU members, yet Africa remains shackled by bureaucratic hurdles.

With our media launch 22 days away on August 11, 2025, and our 120-day journey starting August 18, 2025, from Accra, Ghana, I am compelled to speak out.

Africa must unite. And it must start now, by rallying behind our campaign to dismantle visa barriers and forge a borderless, and prosperous continent.

This journey is personal to me. As a Ghanaian patriot, a pan-Africanist, and a former parliamentarian, I’ve long believed in the vision of Kwame Nkrumah and Julius Nyerere – a united Africa where our 1.4 billion people can travel, trade, and connect without hindrance.

As we count down to the start of the Trans African Tourism and Unity Campaign, we face a sobering reality. Our team of 12 Ghanaians, four of whom are media crew from Ghana Television, will spend $11,520 in visa fees to travel across 39 African countries.

This staggering cost, just to move freely on our own continent, – our own homeland – is a painful reminder of the colonial borders that still divide us. As a friend recently remarked, “Why must I pay to visit my brother in another neighborhood?” Even capitalist Europe has largely abandoned visas for EU members, yet Africa remains shackled by bureaucratic hurdles.

With our media launch 22 days away on August 11, 2025, and our 120-day journey starting August 18, 2025, from Accra, Ghana, I am compelled to speak out.

Africa must unite. And it must start now, by rallying behind our campaign to dismantle visa barriers and forge a borderless, and prosperous continent.

Our campaign, endorsed by the Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a selfless step toward that dream. We will drive 600 hours, traversing 39 nations, from Algeria’s deserts to Zimbabwe’s plains, with the view to meeting heads of state, policymakers, and communities to advocate for visa-free policies, aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Protocol on the Free Movement of Persons.

Yet, the $14,520 visa fee burden we face exposes the deep fractures in our continent’s travel policies. Historically, visas and their fees emerged from colonial powers’ need to control movement and extract revenue, a legacy that persists today.

Ghana’s December 2024 decision to grant visa-free access to all African nationals (though yet to be fully implemented) and Kenya’s groundbreaking move to to give all Africans, save Libyans and Somalis completely visa free access, will open doors, likely securing reciprocal access.

In spite of Ghana’s Pan Africa gesture, several countries still impose costly requirements for not only Ghanaians but for other African nationals.

Our team has to cough up $7,800 for embassy visas for Equatorial Guinea, DRC, Mozambique, Namibia, Algeria and Angola; eVisas for Central African Republic, Chad, and Botswana add $3,600; ETAs for South Africa and Mauritania cost $1,200; and The Gambia and Republic of Congo’s tourism levy and visa-on-arrival fees add $1,920, bringing the visa related cost to $14,520.

These costs are a stark barrier to the free movement that could boost intra-African trade by 109% by 2035 under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)

This $14,520 is not just a financial burden. It’s a symbol of our continent’s division. Every dollar spent on visas is a dollar diverted from showcasing Africa’s beauty, from Ethiopia’s ancient churches to Botswana’s Okavango Delta. It’s a dollar that could fuel trade, tourism, and cultural exchange.

Kenya’s bold July 2025 move to eliminate visa requirements for nearly all African countries, following Ghana’s lead, shows what’s possible. Rwanda, Seychelles, and The Gambia have also eased travel barriers, but too many nations cling to policies rooted in colonial control that stifle our potential.

As I prepare to lead this journey, I am driven by a vision of an Africa where no citizen needs a visa to explore their homeland. Tourism, a lifeline for millions of jobs and a significant contributor to our GDP, thrives when borders are open.

The AfCFTA’s promise of economic integration depends on free movement. Our campaign will amplify this message, partnering with media giants
to broadcast our #OpenAfrica #OpenOpportunities call to millions.

With 22 days until our media launch and 29 days until we hit the road, I call on every African to join us.

Governments must streamline visa processes for our team and commit to reciprocal visa-free policies. Businesses can sponsor fuel, accommodation, or vehicle maintenance, gaining visibility through our media platforms.

African citizens, especially the youth, can amplify our message on X, Facebook and other social media platforms, sharing stories of what a united Africa means to them.

To Africa’s leaders, I make this passionate appeal – embrace our call and act now. The time for half-measures is over. Follow Kenya and Ghana’s example – tear down visa barriers and build bridges between our nations.

Our campaign is a movement for every African, a chance to heal the wounds of division and celebrate our shared heritage. Join us to create an Africa where $14,520 in visa fees is a relic of the past, and every citizen can move freely toward a brighter, united future.

Article Written by: Ras Mubarak, Former MP – Kumbungu

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Hon.Hassan Tampuli hands over dining hall, Girls’ Dormitory facility to management of Gushegu SHS

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Published by Inusah Dondaliya

Date: 15th January

Member of Parliament for Gushegu, Hon. Lawyer Sulemana Alhassan Tampuli, has handed over two key educational facilities, a Dining Hall facility, and Girls’ Dormitory block to management of Gushegu Senior High School following successful completion of the projects.

The commissioning of the projects which took place on Wednesday, 14th January 2026 at the Gushegu SHS, aims to address infrastructural challenges faced the school which serve as a threat to learning environment of the students on campus.

The intervention by the MP became necessary when the Girls’ Dormitory block was destroyed by rainstorm, compelling them to pitch camp at the Dining Hall as temporal place of abode on campus, while also resorting to eating outside the dining hall due to infrastructural deficit.

This follows the MP’s initiative to rebuild the dinning hall too after it was also knocked down by a wind storm.

Addressing the students, the MP said ” I’m here to do two-in-one thing, because the dining hall that we had before was completely knocked down, it was nothing to write home about. So we have to rebuild the dinning hall entirely.Right from the scratch, we pulled all down and we raised it from the ground all the way to where it is right now today. Just as we were about to hand over the dinning hall, we had a disaster that struck the Girls’ Dormitory. So the girls have to be moved to the dining hall and the dining hall became the girls’ Dormitory and you don’t have have a dining hall presently.So you have been eating your meals outside.And that is not the appropriate thing.When I went to Tamasco I spent 5 years in Tamasco, I never for once ate outside so I don’t see why my lovely students will be eating outside”.

He further stated that “So I have to take quick steps to make sure that you go back into the dinning hall to secure your safety.Otherwise when it is raining, you are in the rains to eat, that is not proper. We owe you that responsibility. So as you are moving back to the your Dormitories you be freeing up the dinning hall for its appropriate use. So we are not just handing over the Girls’ Dormitory but we are also handing over the dinning hall to the school. So it is a two-in-one exercise we are undertaking today”.

At a short ceremony to hand over the projects to the school, Hon. Alhassan Tampuli reiterated his unflinching commitment to improving the infrastructure base of the school. While also with immediate effect donated 100 bags of cement, aimed at complementing the construction of the school’s fence wall as clear manifestation of his drive to develop the school most important solving its infrastructural issues.

On behalf of the students, the Girls’ Prefect of the school, in her speech heaped praises on the MP, conveying a profound gratitude to him for his intervention to mitigate their plight although she further asks for more interventions like Oliver Twist, as they are still in dire need of educational facilities.

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Continuing Hon.Murtala’s Legacy: Razak Golden appeals to President for appointment opportunity to Tamale Central MP

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Published by Inusah Dondaliya

Date: 15th January, 2026.

Tamale Central Communications Officer for the NDC, Umar Abdul Razak Golden, on behalf of the Constituents is appealing to President John Mahama to consider giving appointment to the Current Member of Parliament of the area, Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu in honor of the Late MP, Hon.Murtala Ibrahim Mohammed, who passed on in a tragic helicopter crash last year.

Mr. Umar Abdul Razak Golden is appealing for appointment opportunity to the MP with a capacity that can deepen the representation and development of the Constituency.

In a Facebook post shared on Wednesday night, the Tamale Central Communications Officer highlights immense contributions made by the late MP to develop the area through dedicated and selfless service to the people, describing his passing as significant loss not only to the Constituents but the nation at large.

Following the loss of the late MP, Mr. Razak Golden, noted that appointing Prof. Seidu Alidu would be a befitting tribute and a prudent step towards continuing his legacy in the Constituency.

“we believe that appointing (Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu) who has demonstrated commitment and dedication, would be a fitting tribute and a prudent step towards continuing his legacy”.

His statement also said that “We believe that an appointment at this juncture would not only honor Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s memory but also bolster the ongoing development initiatives in Tamale Central. It would ensure stability, continuity, and sustained progress in our beloved constituency”.

Below is the full statement

APPEAL FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF THE CURRENT MEMBER OF PARLIAMENT FOR TAMALE CENTRAL IN HONOR OF THE LATE DR. IBRAHIM MURTALA MUHAMMAD

I am writing on behalf of the constituents of Tamale Central to humbly request your consideration in appointing our current Member of Parliament, (Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu ) to serve in a capacity that will deepen the representation and development of our constituency.

Your EXCELLENCY
As you are aware, Dr. Murtala Muhammed, our esteemed Member of Parliament, dedicated his life to serving Ghana and the people of Tamale Central. His untimely passing is a significant loss to our community and the nation at large. In recognition of his tireless efforts and vision for development, we believe that appointing (Prof. Seidu Mahama Alidu) who has demonstrated commitment and dedication, would be a fitting tribute and a prudent step towards continuing his legacy.

We believe that an appointment at this juncture would not only honor Dr. Murtala Muhammed’s memory but also bolster the ongoing development initiatives in Tamale Central. It would ensure stability, continuity, and sustained progress in our beloved constituency.

We kindly appeal to your compassionate and visionary leadership to consider this request favorably. Your support would greatly motivate our community and reinforce our collective dedication to Ghana’s progress. Thank you.
Long live the National Democratic Congress long live Ghana our beloved country.

Sign :
Umar Abdul Razak Golden Boy
Communication officer TAMALE CENTRAL

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LIFE AFTER SPORTS/ NRFA GIRLS U-15 GALA EXTOLS THE VIRTUE OF GIRL CHILD EDUCATION

Tamale witnessed an inspiring celebration of youth football as Old Buddies/Life After Sports, in collaboration with the Northern Regional Football Association (NRFA), organized U-15 Girls Gala Matches to promote girls’ participation in sports. The two-day event kicked off on Friday, 2nd January 2026, and brought together nine vibrant female teams from across the region.
Participating teams included: Kanshegu Smart Ladies, Talented Ladies, Rising Sporting Club, Northern Angels, Din-Nani Ladies, Dalun Simli Ladies, Vision Ladies, Starlet Strikers and Tamale Future Ladies

After intense competition through the group stages and semi-finals, Kanshegu Smart Ladies and Talented Ladies made it to the finals. The final match lived up to expectations, ending in a dramatic penalty shootout, where Talented Ladies clinched the victory and were crowned champions.

In recognition of the teams’ efforts, Old Buddies/Life After Sports awarded:
Two sets of jerseys to the finalists
Silver medals to the runners-up
Gold medals and a trophy to the winners

Individual excellence was also celebrated with awards for: Best Player, Goal Queen, Best Goalkeeper

Present at the ceremony was the Chairman of NRFA, Alhaji Abu Hassan Rhyzo, who commended Old Buddies for their commitment to youth development through football. He promised to inscribe the name “Life After Sports” in the RFA’s special book of honor and called on other organizations to emulate such impactful initiatives.

Representing Life After Sports, Ali Alhassan encouraged the young players to blend sports with education, avoid drugs, and support their families. He further appealed to the NRFA Chairman to consider the inclusion of the group members in future GFA coaching license programs.

This initiative not only nurtures football talent but also reinforces the importance of discipline, education, and community support among the youth.

Story by Musah Abdul-Raheem

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