Ghana, Jamaica agree on direct flights, trade and expanded cooperation

Ghana and Jamaica have agreed on a series of measures to strengthen trade, employment, transportation, security and diplomatic relations following President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Jamaica.

According to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the visit, undertaken at the invitation of Jamaican Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, focused on strengthening historical connections and deepening cooperation between Ghana and Jamaica.

The two countries have agreed to establish a new maritime trade corridor connecting the Tema Port with the Port of Kingston. The initiative is expected to boost Africa-Caribbean trade and create thousands of jobs, with the two ports expected to be connected by next year.

President Mahama and Prime Minister Holness have also commenced discussions towards establishing the first direct flight between Ghana and Jamaica.

ADVERTISEMENT

Prime Minister Holness has accepted President Mahama’s invitation to serve on the President’s Global Advisory Council on Reparatory Justice.

Jamaica supported the Ghana-led United Nations resolution declaring transatlantic enslavement the gravest crime against humanity. Ghana has also endorsed Jamaica’s reparatory justice petition to King Charles.

Ghana will expand employment opportunities for Ghanaian nurses and teachers in Jamaica, with the first group of nurses expected to arrive in Jamaica by the end of August 2026.

President Mahama has also pledged to champion a new initiative as African Union Chair in 2027 to expand the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) regime to provide special incentives for trade between Africa and the Caribbean.

A Defence Cooperation Agreement between the two countries has been activated to deepen maritime security cooperation and provide immediate military humanitarian support during disasters in either country.

President Mahama also announced that Ghana is considering a new law to provide Jamaicans and members of the wider African diaspora with the right of return and guaranteed opportunities to obtain citizenship in Ghana.

Ghana will establish a permanent diplomatic mission in Jamaica in 2027, while Jamaica is expected to begin the process of establishing a reciprocal mission in Ghana at the earliest opportunity.