President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening relations between Africa and the Caribbean as he hosted a state luncheon in honour of the Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Terrance Drew, and his delegation in Accra.
The luncheon formed part of the Prime Minister’s historic visit to Ghana the first official visit by a leader of the Caribbean nation to the West African country.
Welcoming the visiting delegation, President Mahama described the visit as more than a diplomatic engagement, characterising it as a symbolic return to ancestral roots.
“It is my singular honour and great pleasure to host this luncheon in honour of my dear brother, Prime Minister Dr. Terrence Michael Drew and his distinguished delegation from St. Kitts and Nevis,” President Mahama said.
“Your presence in Ghana is not merely an official visit; it is a homecoming.”
Historic Visit Deepening Ties
President Mahama noted that Dr. Drew’s visit marks a new chapter in relations between Ghana and St. Kitts and Nevis, emphasising the historical and cultural ties that bind Africa and the Caribbean.
“As the first Prime Minister of St. Christopher and Nevis to make an official visit to Ghana, you are charting a new and historic course in our bilateral relations,” he said.
“Though separated by the Atlantic Ocean, our nations remain united by history, ancestry, culture and spirit.”
The President reflected on the painful legacy of the transatlantic slave trade, which he said disrupted connections between Africans and their descendants in the Caribbean.
“The painful rupture caused by the transatlantic slave trade severed physical ties between our people, but it did not erase our shared identity,” he stated.
“The time has come to move beyond remembrance to reconstruction, transforming shared memories into shared purpose.”
Strengthening Africa–Caribbean Cooperation
President Mahama highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation between the African Union and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), stressing that political solidarity must now translate into economic integration.
He pointed to the expansion of the African Export-Import Bank into the Caribbean as a strategic step to enhance trade and investment between the two regions.
“Political solidarity must now be matched by economic integration,” he said.
“Expanding Afreximbank into the Caribbean is a bold and strategic step toward unlocking trade, investment and financial cooperation across the Atlantic.”
Visa Waiver Expanded
During the luncheon, President Mahama announced the extension of a visa waiver agreement between Ghana and St. Kitts and Nevis.
The agreement, initially signed in 2018 and limited to diplomatic and service passport holders, will now include ordinary passport holders from both countries.
“This practical and transformative step will significantly facilitate tourism, trade, business exchanges and people-to-people connections,” the President stated.
He also revealed that discussions were ongoing on structured labour mobility arrangements, noting Ghana’s readiness to support St. Kitts and Nevis with skilled professionals.
“Ghana is prepared, where appropriate, to support St. Kitts and Nevis with skilled professionals including nurses, teachers and other technical experts, while ensuring mutually beneficial frameworks.”
Expanding Areas of Cooperation
President Mahama outlined several sectors where the two countries intend to deepen cooperation, including tourism, climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy, the blue economy and cultural industries.
He also emphasised the importance of improving air connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean, noting that trade and investment partnerships could still advance through existing platforms.
These include the African-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum and the African Continental Free Trade Area.
“Our ambition is clear to position Ghana and St. Kitts and Nevis as model partners in South-South cooperation,” he said.
Reparatory Justice and Global Advocacy
President Mahama further announced that Ghana will host a high-level event on reparatory justice later this month at the United Nations.
He reiterated Ghana’s position that the enslavement and trafficking of Africans constituted one of the gravest crimes against humanity.
“Our call is not for charity; it is for justice,” the President declared.
“Together, Africa and the Caribbean must speak with one voice with clarity, unity and moral conviction.”
Invitation to Independence Anniversary
President Mahama expressed appreciation to Prime Minister Drew for extending his stay in Ghana to attend the country’s 69th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
He described the visit as symbolic of the shared history of liberation struggles between Africa and the Caribbean.
“The political independence Ghana secured in 1957 sparked a continental awakening,” he said.
“Today the next frontier is economic sovereignty building productive economies, strengthening Afro-Caribbean trade and asserting our rightful place in global governance.”
Toast to Friendship
Concluding his remarks, President Mahama invited guests to raise a toast to the visiting Prime Minister and the growing partnership between the two nations.
“May I invite you to join me in a toast to the good health and continued success of Prime Minister Terrence Michael Drew, to the peace and prosperity of the people of St. Kitts and Nevis, and to the enduring brotherhood and cooperation between our two nations.”
Story: Patrick Asford Boadu
