President John Dramani Mahama has announced a series of agreements with Jamaica aimed at strengthening economic, cultural and diplomatic ties between the two countries following bilateral talks with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston.
In a statement shared after the meeting, President Mahama said his visit sought to renew the longstanding historical, political and cultural relationship between Ghana and Jamaica, rooted in a shared Pan-African heritage.
He noted that the two countries have remained closely connected through the legacy of Pan-African leader Marcus Garvey, whose vision influenced Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, as well as through their shared commitment to non-aligned diplomacy and cultural exchanges symbolised by the music of Bob Marley.
President Mahama said both leaders agreed that the next phase of Ghana–Jamaica relations should focus on economic transformation and shared prosperity.
Among the key outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to fast-track a Bilateral Air Services Agreement to pave the way for direct flights between Accra and Montego Bay.
The two countries also agreed to work towards establishing direct maritime transhipment routes to facilitate trade and strengthen commercial links across the Atlantic.
President Mahama said Ghana and Jamaica would promote greater collaboration between businesses in both countries to encourage cross-border investments.
He highlighted Ghana’s position as a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), offering Jamaican investors access to a market of more than 1.4 billion people, while encouraging Ghanaian businesses to explore opportunities in Jamaica’s real estate, manufacturing and construction sectors.
The President further announced the signing of an agreement that will see Ghanaian health professionals support Jamaica’s healthcare system.
He added that both countries would develop exchange programmes for training essential health workers and expand educational cooperation through teacher exchanges in science, mathematics and physics.
On security cooperation, President Mahama said discussions also covered a proposed Defence Cooperation Agreement aimed at strengthening disaster response and security collaboration.
He noted that the agreement builds on Ghana’s military support to Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s support for Jamaica and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in advancing the global reparations agenda.
He said Ghana fully backs Jamaica’s campaign for justice and accountability following the United Nations General Assembly’s recognition of the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity.
