President John Dramani Mahama has called for a renewed partnership between Ghana and Jamaica, saying that the historic struggle for African liberation must now give way to a shared agenda of economic emancipation, trade, investment and sustainable development.
Speaking during a joint engagement with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness as part of his four-day state visit, President Mahama reflected on the enduring legacy of Pan-Africanism and the influential figures whose vision shaped Ghana’s independence and Africa’s liberation.
He paid tribute to Pan-African pioneers including Marcus Garvey and Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, noting that Garvey’s philosophy profoundly influenced Nkrumah’s political vision and post-independence development agenda.
“Many of President Nkrumah’s visions regarding Pan-Africanism and liberation from colonial domination were inspired by Marcus Garvey. The Black Star of Africa and the Black Star Shipping Line are enduring symbols of that influence.”
President Mahama also acknowledged the contributions of former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley and reggae legend Bob Marley, whose music inspired freedom movements across the African continent.
“Bob Marley’s message of freeing ourselves from mental slavery continues to inspire Africans and people of African descent around the world.”
The President stressed that while the earlier generation fought colonialism, today’s challenge is achieving economic prosperity through stronger cooperation between African nations and the Caribbean.
“This time, our struggle is not about liberation from colonial domination. This time it is about the economic emancipation of our people. We have no option but to work together and combine our comparative advantages to create the prosperity our people deserve.”
Mahama revealed that discussions with Prime Minister Holness focused on expanding trade, investment and business partnerships between Ghana and Jamaica.
He announced plans to bring together business leaders from both countries to promote cross-investment and unlock opportunities in sectors including manufacturing, construction, real estate and logistics.
He highlighted the enormous opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing it as a gateway to a market of approximately 1.4 billion people with a combined GDP of nearly US$3 trillion.
The President also pledged to fast-track Ghana’s ratification of the bilateral air services agreement currently before Parliament, paving the way for direct flights between Accra and Jamaica through national or third-party airlines.
On security cooperation, Mahama welcomed the planned Defence Cooperation Agreement, saying it would strengthen military exchanges and improve disaster response between the two countries.
He praised Ghanaian soldiers who assisted Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, describing their deployment as a powerful symbol of solidarity between two brotherly nations.
“It was not the size of the troops that mattered. It was the symbolism and solidarity between our two nations.”
President Mahama further announced expanded cooperation in healthcare and education, including the deployment of Ghanaian health professionals to Jamaica and exchange programmes involving medical personnel, science teachers and mathematics teachers.
Commending Jamaica’s resilience following Hurricane Melissa, Mahama applauded the country’s rapid recovery despite damages estimated at approximately US$12 billion.
On the issue of reparations, the President reaffirmed Ghana’s unwavering support for Jamaica’s efforts to seek justice for the historical injustices of the transatlantic slave trade and chattel slavery.
He praised the collaboration between Ghana, CARICOM and members of the African diaspora in securing broad international backing for a landmark United Nations General Assembly resolution recognising slavery as a grievous crime against humanity.
Mahama also expressed Ghana’s support for Jamaica’s petition to the British Royal Family, noting that different approaches could ultimately achieve the same objective of justice and reparatory measures.
The President underscored the importance of improving transport and maritime connectivity across the Atlantic, describing Jamaica and Ghana as natural maritime hubs capable of transforming the Atlantic Ocean from a historical barrier into a bridge for commerce and cooperation.
“We should soon have direct air services between West Africa and the Caribbean, as well as direct maritime transshipment routes to move goods and services across our regions.”
Concluding his address, President Mahama described the state visit as productive and forward-looking, saying it had produced a clear roadmap for deepening Ghana-Jamaica relations through stronger political commitment, expanded economic cooperation and renewed Pan-African solidarity.
He thanked the Government and people of Jamaica for their warm hospitality and extended Ghana’s congratulations as Jamaica prepares to celebrate its Independence Day on August 6.
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
