The Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, has commended John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana, for his leadership on global historical justice and for deepening relations between Africa and the Caribbean.
Speaking during his official visit to Ghana, Dr. Drew described the trip as both symbolic and strategic, aimed at strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.
“The Republic of Ghana is a beautiful country, and I want to thank my brother, President John Dramani Mahama, for his wonderful hospitality,” he said. “I also want to recognize members of both delegations from St. Kitts and Nevis and Ghana who are here with us today.”
Inspired by Mahama’s UN Speech
Prime Minister Drew revealed that his interest in Ghana was partly inspired by President Mahama’s address at the United Nations in 2025, which he said highlighted Ghana’s commitment to addressing historical injustices.
“One of the things that sparked my interest in Ghana was listening to the President’s address at the United Nations last year. The depth of his presentation was quite inspiring,” Dr. Drew stated.
He pointed to Ghana’s current effort at the UN to introduce a resolution that formally recognises slavery and colonisation as among the most heinous crimes ever committed against humanity.
“Ghana is presenting a resolution to place on record the historical tragedy of slavery and colonisation as one of the most heinous crimes ever committed by humanity against itself,” he said. “I want to thank you, Mr. President, for your tremendous leadership in this regard.”
Dr. Drew added that he would mobilise the support of the Caribbean bloc for the initiative, noting that he currently chairs the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“You can count on us for strong and full support. I have considered it my responsibility to get CARICOM on board, and deliberations have already started.”
“A Visit Back Home”
The St. Kitts and Nevis leader described his visit to Ghana as deeply emotional, noting striking cultural and physical similarities between people in Ghana and those in the Caribbean.
“As I drove through Ghana, I could hardly tell the difference whether I was in St. Kitts and Nevis or in Ghana,” he said. “Each person I see looks like somebody I know. It is profound and revealing.”
He recounted meeting Ghana’s Vice President, Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, during a previous meeting between the African Union and CARICOM in Addis Ababa, saying her resemblance to a family member reinforced the deep historical connection between Africans and Caribbean people.
Visa-Free Travel and Labour Cooperation
Dr. Drew welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between Ghana and St. Kitts and Nevis that will grant visa-free access for holders of ordinary passports, describing it as a crucial step toward strengthening people-to-people relations.
“Why should our people have to go to the North to get to the South or to get to Ghana?” he asked. “There should be direct communication between West Africa and the Caribbean so our people can connect among themselves.”
He also highlighted cooperation in the health sector, revealing that Ghanaian nurses have already begun working in St. Kitts and Nevis.
“We already have a number of Ghanaian nurses who started working in St. Kitts and Nevis within the last three to four weeks,” he said. “They are well trained and have been very well received by our people.”
The Prime Minister disclosed that his government intends to request additional healthcare professionals from Ghana to support the Caribbean nation’s health sector.
“I have been asked to request more Ghanaian nurses, and after this visit we will work toward establishing a framework to bring more of them to St. Kitts and Nevis this year.”
Expanding Cultural and Educational Exchange
Beyond economic cooperation, Dr. Drew announced plans for St. Kitts and Nevis’ national choir to visit Ghana for a cultural showcase, describing it as part of a broader effort to deepen cultural ties.
“They are slated to come to Ghana for a cultural extravaganza to present our culture to our people here in Ghana,” he explained.
He also revealed that discussions are underway to facilitate student exchanges between the two countries.
Building a Stronger Africa–Caribbean Partnership
Prime Minister Drew concluded by urging leaders on both sides of the Atlantic to seize the opportunity to strengthen cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.
“The time has come for our generation to take this relationship between the Caribbean and Africa to the next level where our people will benefit tangibly,” he said.
He added that recent developments including labour exchanges, cultural cooperation and visa-free travel demonstrate growing momentum in the relationship.
“The time has called for it, and our generation has the responsibility to respond.”
The Prime Minister ended his remarks with a symbolic toast celebrating the partnership between the two nations.
“Long live the strong and growing relationship between Ghana and Saint Kitts and Nevis, Africa and the Caribbean.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
