President John Dramani Mahama is set to embark on a significant four-day official visit to Jamaica in August, aiming to bolster both diplomatic and economic ties between Ghana and the Caribbean nation. During his stay from August 2 to August 5, the President will advocate for increased international support for the reparations agenda while fostering closer relations with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
A key highlight of this visit will be President Mahama’s participation in a high-level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus. This forum will unite the President with Sir Hilary Beckles, the Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, to collectively advance the campaign for reparations tied to the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting impacts.
In addition, President Mahama will engage in bilateral talks with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, focusing on enhancing cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, culture, and South-South collaboration. The two nations are expected to investigate new opportunities to deepen their economic partnerships and boost commercial exchanges.
As part of the itinerary, President Mahama will address a joint sitting of Jamaica’s Houses of Parliament at the George William Gordon House. Here, he will present Ghana’s vision for a stronger Africa-Caribbean connection and emphasise the importance of ties with the African diaspora.
Furthermore, the visit will include a Trade and Investment Dialogue and a tour of the Kingston Freeport, aimed at promoting investment and establishing Ghana as a strategic gateway for CARICOM’s engagement with Africa.
Recognising the deep historical and cultural ties between Ghana and Jamaica, President Mahama will pay tribute by laying a wreath at the shrine of Jamaica’s National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, at the National Heroes Park. He will also visit the Ghanaian Village Houses at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann, a site that celebrates the shared ancestral heritage of the two nations.
Additionally, the President plans to meet with Opposition Leader Mark Golding and attend the “Mello-Go-Roun” cultural celebration at the National Arena, coinciding with Jamaica’s 64th Independence Anniversary. A State Dinner hosted by Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen will honour the Ghanaian leader.
“This pivotal visit is set to chart a new direction for Ghana-Jamaica relations, positioning Ghana as a gateway for CARICOM’s engagement with Africa, and demonstrating a united commitment to pursuing reparations, economic growth, and South-South cooperation on the global stage,” the statement concluded.
