Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell traces ancestry to Ghana’s Akan people during official visit

Prime Minister Dickon Amiss Thomas Mitchell of Grenada has revealed that DNA testing traces his maternal ancestry to the Akan people of Ghana, a disclosure he made during a bilateral meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra on Friday.

Prime Minister Mitchell, who arrived in Accra on Thursday, October 16, for a two-day official visit, described the welcome he received as a deeply personal homecoming.

“I should start by telling Your Excellency that in July at the African Bank Conference, I revealed my DNA ancestry tracing on my maternal side, and it was traced to the Akan people of Ghana. The Akwaaba that was given to me yesterday is a reflection of a homecoming that is deeply personal,” he said.

He noted that 75 percent of Grenada’s population can trace their ancestry to Ghana, and highlighted that Ghana was the first African country he ever visited. Emphasising the historical and cultural ties, the Prime Minister advocated for the ocean to be used as a bridge, connecting the Caribbean to African roots politically, socially, culturally, and economically.

“Oftentimes, we welcome the conversations and bilateral meetings, but we also recognize the importance of trade, because it was through trade that led to the dark middle passage, the transatlantic slave trade. But obviously, we want to be able to trade and grow economies and make sure citizens benefit from a trade that is progressive, deliberate, and looks after the well-being of citizens,” he stated.

Prime Minister Mitchell expressed gratitude to President Mahama for hosting him and his delegation. He also extended an invitation to President Mahama, leader of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC), the same party as Mitchell’s ruling party in Grenada, to reciprocate the visit. Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell traces ancestry to Ghana’s Akan people during an official visit

Prime Minister Dickon Amiss Thomas Mitchell of Grenada has revealed that DNA testing traces his maternal ancestry to the Akan people of Ghana, a disclosure he made during a bilateral meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra on Friday.

Prime Minister Mitchell, who arrived in Accra on Thursday, October 16, for a two-day official visit, described the welcome he received as a deeply personal homecoming.

“I should start by telling Your Excellency that in July at the African Bank Conference, I revealed my DNA ancestry tracing on my maternal side, and it was traced to the Akan people of Ghana. The Akwaaba that was given to me yesterday is a reflection of a homecoming that is deeply personal,” he said.

He noted that 75 percent of Grenada’s population can trace their ancestry to Ghana, and highlighted that Ghana was the first African country he ever visited. Emphasising the historical and cultural ties, the Prime Minister advocated for the ocean to be used as a bridge, connecting the Caribbean to African roots politically, socially, culturally, and economically.

“Oftentimes, we welcome the conversations and bilateral meetings, but we also recognize the importance of trade, because it was through trade that led to the dark middle passage, the transatlantic slave trade. But obviously, we want to be able to trade and grow economies and make sure citizens benefit from a trade that is progressive, deliberate, and looks after the well-being of citizens,” he stated.

Prime Minister Mitchell expressed gratitude to President Mahama for hosting him and his delegation. He also extended an invitation to President Mahama, leader of Ghana’s National Democratic Congress (NDC)the same party as Mitchell’s ruling party in Grenada, to reciprocate the visit to Grenada next year.to Grenada next year.