President John Dramani Mahama will embark on a four-day official visit to Jamaica next week in a move the government says will deepen relations between Ghana and the Caribbean while giving fresh momentum to the global campaign for reparations over the transatlantic slave trade.
The visit, scheduled from August 2 to August 5, will take the President to Kingston for a series of high-level engagements centred on diplomacy, trade, cultural cooperation and Pan-African solidarity.
According to a statement issued by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the trip is expected to strengthen Ghana's longstanding partnership with Jamaica and broaden cooperation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Reparations take centre stage
One of the defining moments of the visit will be President Mahama's participation in a high-level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.
He will join Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, for discussions on reparatory justice and the enduring impact of the transatlantic slave trade.
The government says the engagement builds on Ghana's leadership within the African Union and aligns with CARICOM's long-running campaign for reparations.
The visit also follows Ghana's recent humanitarian support to Jamaica after the island was struck by a major natural disaster, a gesture the government says reflects the enduring bond between Africa and its Diaspora.
Packed diplomatic schedule
President Mahama is expected to hold bilateral talks with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, with discussions set to focus on trade, investment, cultural exchange and broader South-South cooperation.
He will also address a joint sitting of Jamaica's Parliament at George William Gordon House, where he is expected to outline his vision for closer Africa-Caribbean relations.
Trade will feature prominently on the agenda. A Trade and Investment Dialogue, alongside a tour of the Kingston Freeport hosted by the Port Authority of Jamaica, is intended to identify new commercial opportunities between the two countries.
Beyond official meetings, the President will pay tribute to Jamaica's Pan-African heritage by laying a wreath at the shrine of National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey at National Heroes Park. He will also visit the preserved Ghanaian Village Houses at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann, a symbolic reminder of the ancestral ties linking Ghana and Jamaica.
Strengthening a shared future
The itinerary includes a courtesy call by Opposition Leader Mark Golding and attendance at the "Mello-Go-Roun" cultural celebration marking Jamaica's 64th Independence Anniversary.
Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen will also host a State Dinner in honour of President Mahama at King's House.
Government believes the visit will open a new chapter in Ghana-Jamaica relations, positioning Ghana as a gateway for deeper CARICOM engagement with Africa while advancing cooperation in trade, development and the shared pursuit of reparatory justice.
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