President John Dramani Mahama has called for a renewed partnership between Africa and the Caribbean, urging both regions to move beyond their shared history and build stronger economic, political and cultural ties that will deliver prosperity for their people.
Addressing a Joint Sitting of the Houses of Parliament in Jamaica during his state visit on Tuesday August 4, 2026, President Mahama said the relationship between Ghana and Jamaica should serve as a model for broader cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.
“The challenge before us is therefore clear. We must transform our shared history into shared purpose. We must move beyond sentiment and build partnerships that create opportunity, expand prosperity and improve the lives of our people,” he said.
He noted that Africa’s youthful population, abundant natural resources and growing innovation ecosystem, coupled with the Caribbean’s leadership in climate justice, democracy and sustainable development, present an opportunity for both regions to forge a stronger strategic alliance.
Mahama stressed that Jamaica could serve as an important gateway for Africa’s engagement with the Caribbean and the Americas, while the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), headquartered in Accra, provides Jamaican businesses with access to a market of more than 1.4 billion people.
He called for increased collaboration in agriculture, tourism, renewable energy, digital technology, education, healthcare, maritime transport and the creative industries, while encouraging joint ventures between businesses, stronger university partnerships and greater cooperation among young entrepreneurs.
The President also urged Africa and the Caribbean to coordinate their positions on major global issues, including climate change, food security, digital transformation and reform of international financial institutions.
According to him, a united voice would give developing nations greater influence in shaping a fairer and more inclusive global order.
Mahama said Ghana’s “Accra Reset” initiative seeks to reform global governance structures and create a development model based on productive investment, industrialisation and equal participation by developing countries.
He concluded by expressing optimism that his visit would usher in a new era of cooperation between Ghana and Jamaica, anchored on trade, investment and shared prosperity.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI