Ghana secures placement for more health workers in Antigua, Jamaica

Ghana has secured additional requests for health workers from Antigua and Barbuda after the successful deployment of 120 Ghanaian nurses to the Caribbean nation. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reported this following bilateral discussions with Caribbean counterparts at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.

The first batch of Ghanaian nurses has been making a significant impact, leading to Antigua's request for more health workers. Ghana has also introduced a visa waiver arrangement that will strengthen relations with Antigua and Barbuda, fostering trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Discussions with Jamaican Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith revealed the importance of the Ghana-Jamaica Port Cooperation Agreement, which is now finalized.

This agreement will result in a comprehensive collaboration between the Tema Port and the Port of Kingston, enhancing trade, logistics, maritime cooperation, and job creation. The Ghanaian nurses have recently arrived in Jamaica under a labor mobility program. Additionally, Ablakwa engaged with Trinidad and Tobago's Foreign Minister Sean S.M.

Sobers to discuss new investments and bolster oil and gas partnerships. Ghana plans to commission its new High Commission in Trinidad next year and is finalizing air services agreements with Caribbean partners to establish direct flight arrangements between the two nations once the revival of Ghana Airways is complete. Beyond the Caribbean, Ablakwa discussed shared priorities with Australia’s Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Peace, Security and Candidacies, James Buttigieg, including Africa's demand for permanent representation on the UN Security Council.

The topics also encompassed reconfiguring the international financial architecture, AI regulation, climate justice, resource sovereignty, reparatory justice, and conflict resolution. At the CHOGM in Antigua and Barbuda, Ablakwa expressed gratitude for the strong working relations and progress achieved through these engagements, emphasizing the shared aim of advancing the interests of the people they serve.