The Year of Return reinforced the deep rooted ancestral and historical connections between Ghana and Jamaica – Hon Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey

The High Commissioner-Designate of Jamaica to Ghana, H.E. Esmond St. Clair Reid has presented copies of his Letters of Credence (Open Letters) to the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on Tuesday in Accra.

Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Ghana’s foreign Minister congratulated H.E. Esmond St. Clair Reid on his appointment as High Commissioner-designate of Jamaica to Ghana;

Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey said Ghana has a longstanding, existing and friendly relations with Jamaica, based on shared values and mutual respect and acknowledge that the relations between the two countries have grown from strength to strength.

She acknowledged with appreciation, the untiring efforts of the New envoy’s predecessor in enhancing the relations between Ghana and Jamaica. She expressed optimism that the High Commissioner-designate will build on the remarkable achievements of his predecessor and further enhance the bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between Ghana and Jamaica.

She extended a hand of congratulations to the Government of Jamaica on their resounding electoral victory in the country’s General Elections held on 3rd September, 2020 and the Prime Minister’s subsequent inauguration for a second five-year term and emphasize that the retention of the Prime Minister in Office is testimony to the confidence that the people of Jamaica reposed in him.

She expressed delight at the enhanced level of cooperation between the two countries, particularly in the areas of Trade, Health and Education following the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Ghana and Jamaica on Consultations on Issues of Common Interest.

She again Commended the Government of Jamaica for the warm reception accorded H.E Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo during the Presidential visit to Jamaica in June, 2019.

The Year of Return held in 2019, reinforced the deep rooted ancestral and historical connections between Ghana and Jamaica as Jamaicans formed one of the majority group of diasporans, who made the life-changing decision to visit their roots.

Foreign Minister added that the government Ghana is rolling out Beyond the Year of Return initiative, which is a sequel to the Year of Return and express the hope that Jamaica will support the initiative by encouraging Jamaicans to visit Ghana and thereby boosting tourism between the two countries;

Honourable Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey commended the positive strides being made by Jamaican companies operating in Ghana namely, LASCO company, a producer of dairy products; GraceKenendy Ghana Limited, producer of non-alcoholic beverages among other products and the Jamaican National Bank.

The establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AFCFTA) presents a great potential for increased intra-Africa trade and attracting Foreign Direct Investment from the Caribbean and encourage Jamaica to take advantage of AFCFTA for enhanced economic engagement with Ghana.

The debt burden of middle income countries, including Ghana and Jamaica, have been worsened by the Covid-19 pandemic, thus, making it imperative for both bilateral and multilateral creditors to consider a moratorium on debt servicing and payments in order to assist the affected countries to rebuild their economies. In this regard, urged Jamaica to partner with Ghana to advocate for debt forgiveness.

She concluded by wishing the Commissioner-designate best of luck and success in the presentation of his credentials to H.E. the President later in the day and also wished him a pleasant stay in Ghana and a fruitful tour of duty.