KINGSTON, Jamaica – President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, says Africa and the Caribbean must strengthen their historic partnership to achieve economic prosperity and advance reparatory justice for future generations.
President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama (at podium), addresses a reparatory justice dialogue at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters. At left is Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Reparations Commission, Sir Hilary Beckles. (Photo credit: JIS)Speaking at a reparatory justice dialogue hosted by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters earlier this week, Mahama said the relationship between Ghana and Jamaica is rooted in shared ancestry, culture and a common struggle for freedom.
Reflecting on Ghana’s history and the resistance of the Ashanti people against British colonial rule, he said there were striking cultural similarities between Ghanaians and Jamaicans.
“You can tell from the anthropology the similarity in terms of lineage, in terms of DNA, in terms of names, in terms of food. Everything just shows the connection between Ghana and Jamaica,” he said.
Mahama described visits by members of the African diaspora to Ghana as a right rather than a privilege, referencing the country’s Door of Return initiative, which welcomes descendants of enslaved Africans to their ancestral homeland.
Recalling a recent re-enactment of the transatlantic slave trade on Ghana’s coast, he spoke about the inhumane conditions endured by enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage, including the abuse of women and children.
He said preserving these historical accounts was essential to ensuring future generations understood the scale of slavery and its lasting impact.
Mahama also paid tribute to Jamaica’s National Hero, The Right Excellent Marcus Garvey, saying his Pan-African philosophy inspired many African independence leaders, including Ghana’s first president, Kwame Nkrumah.
He also praised the enduring influence of Bob Marley, describing the reggae icon as one of his favourite artistes.
“We grew up on Bob Marley’s music… his songs inspire us, especially the one that asks us to get rid of mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds,” he said.
While noting that Africa had largely secured political independence, Mahama said the region’s next challenge was achieving economic emancipation through stronger partnerships with the Caribbean.
“The battle that confronts us now is not a battle for liberation. We are independent anyway. The battle that confronts us is how we can cooperate to increase our economic development and create prosperity for our people,” he said.
Mahama also welcomed growing collaboration between the University of Ghana and the University of the West Indies, describing it as another bridge connecting Africa and the Caribbean through education, research and shared heritage.
The Ghanaian President paid a four-day state visit to Jamaica from August 2 to 5 at the invitation of Prime Minister Andrew Holness. That coincided with Jamaica’s Emancipation Day and Independence celebrations.
