Ablakwa meets Jamaican Foreign Minister ahead of Mahama’s historic state visit

Ghana's Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, met with Jamaican Foreign Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith in Kingston ahead of President John Dramani Mahama's historic state visit to Jamaica. The meeting aimed to prepare for the visit, which is being hosted by Jamaican Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness. Ablakwa and Johnson Smith expressed optimism about deepening cooperation between Ghana and Jamaica, reinforcing their commitment to strengthening bilateral relations across various sectors including trade, culture, maritime affairs, education, health, and other areas of mutual interest.

During the meeting, Johnson Smith welcomed Ablakwa to Kingston, describing it as an honor and pleasure, particularly as Jamaica was celebrating its emancipation and independence. She emphasized the government's anticipation of welcoming President Mahama during his visit, which was viewed as a source of pride for the nation. Ablakwa expressed gratitude for the warm reception extended by the Jamaican government and stated Ghana's honor in accepting Prime Minister Holness’ invitation, describing the visit as a historic engagement with significant impact and meaning.

Johnson Smith outlined the state visit's activities, highlighting President Mahama's address to Jamaica's joint sitting of Parliament as a key highlight, describing it as a pinnacle of state visits. She also announced that Mahama would lay a wreath at the shrine of Jamaica's first national hero, Marcus Garvey, whose influence extended to Ghana's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah.

The program included a visit to Seville, a heritage site where Ghana's delegation would explore Jamaica’s African heritage and the history of the transatlantic slave trade. Additionally, the visit presented an opportunity to continue discussions on the reparations agenda, with Mahama's role in advocating for the issue at the United Nations General Assembly being noted.

The Jamaican Foreign Minister expressed appreciation for the carefully planned itinerary and conveyed President Mahama's excitement about the visit, noting he would be the first Ghanaian president to address Jamaica's joint sitting of Parliament. Ablakwa confirmed President Mahama would also engage bilaterally with Prime Minister Holness, the leader of the opposition, and other stakeholders.

Furthermore, Mahama would endorse Jamaica's petition on the reparations agenda, reaffirming Ghana's support for the pursuit of justice. Both ministers emphasized their shared history, common interests, and commitment to strengthening bilateral relations, describing their partnership as a family united in the same struggle.