President John Dramani Mahama has described the relationship between Ghana and Jamaica as one forged through shared sacrifice, resilience and a common struggle for freedom, saying the Atlantic Ocean can never sever the ties that bind the two nations.
Addressing a Joint Sitting of Jamaica’s Parliament during his state visit on Tuesday August 4,2026, Mahama said the occasion represented “a reunion of history” rather than merely a diplomatic engagement.
“Our gathering here today is much more than a diplomatic engagement. It is a reunion of history, a celebration of our shared heritage and a reaffirmation that although the Atlantic Ocean may separate our shores, it can never diminish the bonds that unite our people,” he said.
He traced the historical connection between Africa and Jamaica from the great African civilisations through the transatlantic slave trade to the struggles for emancipation and independence.
Mahama paid tribute to generations of enslaved Africans, freedom fighters and Pan-African leaders, including Marcus Mosiah Garvey, Kwame Nkrumah and George Padmore, whom he credited with shaping the movement for African liberation.
He also celebrated the global cultural impact of Bob Marley and his message of freedom and unity.
The President commended Jamaica’s resilience in recovering from Hurricane Melissa and recalled Ghana’s deployment of military engineers to assist with reconstruction efforts, describing the mission as a demonstration of Pan-African solidarity rather than simply humanitarian assistance.
Mahama urged young people across Africa, the Caribbean and the diaspora to embrace innovation, integrity and entrepreneurship while building stronger connections across continents.
He concluded by expressing hope that his state visit would mark the beginning of an even stronger Ghana-Jamaica partnership founded on justice, peace, investment and shared prosperity.
CREDIT: MAVIS FANTEVI