By Patrick Biddah
Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has called for the establishment of diplomatic missions in both Ghana and Jamaica and the introduction of direct flights between the two countries to deepen bilateral cooperation and strengthen historical ties.
Speaking at the closing session of the two-day Ghana-Jamaica Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) in Accra on May 26, 2026, Mr. Ablakwa said the time had come for both countries to move beyond symbolic relations and implement practical measures that would benefit their peoples.
The third session is being held after the second session was held almost two decades.
He noted that Ghana was committed to opening a High Commission in Jamaica, while also looking forward to Jamaica establishing a diplomatic mission in Ghana.
According to him, the move would enhance political, economic and cultural relations between the two sister nations.
The Foreign Affairs Minister further disclosed that discussions were ongoing to secure direct flights between Ghana and Jamaica once Ghana Airways resumes operations.
He said President John Dramani Mahama was particularly passionate about reconnecting Ghana with the Caribbean through direct air transport links.
Mr. Ablakwa stressed that stronger connectivity would boost tourism, trade, investment and cultural exchanges between Ghana, Jamaica and the wider African diaspora.
Touching on recent agreements reached during the PJCC, the Minister announced that Ghana and Jamaica had signed an agreement on the export of health professionals to Jamaica.
He explained that the arrangement builds on the strong relationship between the two countries, particularly after Ghana provided military assistance to Jamaica during reconstruction efforts following a devastating hurricane.
He recalled that Ghanaian troops deployed to Jamaica after the disaster were warmly received and praised the Jamaican government for the hospitality extended to them throughout the mission.
The Minister also revealed that Ghana was looking forward to signing another bilateral agreement in the area of education to facilitate the export of teachers to Jamaica.
He said the agreement is expected to be finalized during President Mahama’s anticipated state visit to Jamaica at the invitation of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
Mr. Ablakwa used the occasion to commend Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, for her support in securing experts and researchers who contributed to the successful passage of the reparatory justice resolution at the United Nations.
According to him, Jamaica played a critical role in the negotiations leading to the adoption of the landmark resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade and enslavement as grave crimes against humanity.
He said the collaboration between Ghana and Jamaica on the reparatory justice agenda demonstrated the enduring Pan-African bond between the two countries and reaffirmed their shared commitment to justice, dignity and historical reconciliation.
The third session of the Ghana-Jamaica Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation brought together ministers, diplomats and technical experts from both countries to review and expand cooperation in areas including health, education, defence, trade, culture and tourism.
