Ghana and Jamaica took significant steps on Monday to deepen transatlantic ties, moving from a legacy of political solidarity toward a modern framework of economic integration, direct air links, and shared health and defence initiatives.
At a joint press event in Kingston with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, President John Dramani Mahama shared his goal to turn the Atlantic Ocean from a barrier into a bridge linking West Africa and the Caribbean.
President Mahama arrived in Kingston on Sunday for a four-day official visit. He began his itinerary with a ceremonial welcome and meeting with the Governor General of Jamaica, Sir Patrick Allen, before meeting Prime Minister Holness.
“While our earlier solidarity focused on political liberation, today’s solidarity must focus on the economic emancipation of our people,” President Mahama said. “We have no choice but to work together and combine our comparative advantages to create prosperity for our citizens.”
The leaders discussed how to create smooth transport links between West Africa and the Caribbean. They agreed to speed up a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, which will allow direct flights between Accra and Montego Bay once it is in place.
Maritime officials from both countries are also looking at new shipping routes to build a ‘hub-to-hub’ economic system. The leaders talked about working together on health and defence. Under a new agreement, Ghanaian health workers will help support Jamaica’s health system, and both countries will exchange staff for specialised training. They also discussed teacher exchange programs in math, physics, and science.
Mahama praised Jamaica’s recovery after Hurricane Melissa, which caused about $12 billion in damage. He mentioned Ghana’s help with military support after the disaster and announced a new Defence Cooperation Agreement for joint military training and disaster response. The agreement also supports their shared goals on climate resilience and justice. Both leaders confirmed their support for the global reparations movement. After Ghana’s resolution at the United Nations General Assembly, which was backed by 123 countries and called the transatlantic slave trade a crime against humanity, Ghana and CARICOM will keep working on this issue through special legal and expert groups in Accra.
“Ghana fully supports Jamaica’s petition to the British Royal Family because there are different paths leading to the same objective of justice,” Mahama stated.
President Mahama spoke about the history between the two countries. He pointed out how Jamaican-born Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey influenced Ghana’s founding father, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. Ghana’s famous ‘Black Star’ symbol and its first shipping line were inspired by Garvey’s ideas. Mahama also honoured Bob Marley, whose museum he plans to visit, and praised Marley’s message of mental freedom.
President Mahama thanked Prime Minister Holness for agreeing to attend Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary next year. He also congratulated Jamaica ahead of its Independence Day on August 6.
Presidency
