President Mahama Welcomes Grenadian Prime Minister, Outlines Economic Partnership and Cultural Reconnection

President John Dramani Mahama today welcomed Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Thomas Mitchell to Ghana, outlining ambitious plans for strengthening bilateral relations through deepened economic partnerships and cultural reconnection between the two nations.

Speaking at a state reception at the Presidency, President Mahama emphasized the profound historical bonds that unite Ghana and Grenada, stating: “Ghana and Grenada share a profound bond that goes beyond geography. Our people are linked by memories of a shared past and the strength of a common spirit towards the future.”

President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s strategic position as headquarters of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), presenting unprecedented opportunities for African-Caribbean business collaboration. “The relationship between Ghana and Granada exemplifies an excellent model of South- South cooperation,” Mahama noted during productive discussions with Prime Minister Mitchell.

President Mahama outlined the massive economic potential available to both nations, explaining how the partnership “allows both nations to export duty free and tariff free into each other’s markets” and creates opportunities for African and Caribbean businesses to collaborate in accessing a 1.3 billion population market, with a GDP of more than 3 trillion.”

On the crucial issue of seamless travel between the nations, President Mahama acknowledged existing challenges while reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to progress. “While we acknowledge that some challenges still exist for travellers, I wish to assure you, Prime Minister, that Ghana remains committed to working with your Government to ensure the full and smooth implementation of this important accord,” he stated, referring to the visa waiver agreement signed in 2024.

The President identified direct air connectivity as a strategic priority, declaring: “Creating direct air links between Ghana and the Caribbean is not just a matter of convenience, but a strategic necessity. Such connectivity would unleash significant opportunities for trade, tourism, culture and education between our people.”

President Mahama emphasized the resilience of the shared African-Caribbean identity, noting: “The transatlantic slave trade may have sought to erase our connections and our bonds, but it could not destroy our collective identity or our resilience. The descendants of African and the Caribbean stand united, committed to turning our shared pain into a shared purpose.”

In a significant announcement, President Mahama revealed Ghana’s intention to champion reparations at the international level, stating: “Ghana’s intention to file a motion at the United Nations next year to declare slavery as one of the greatest crimes against humanity.” He emphasized Ghana’s role as “the African Union champion for reparations” under the AU’s 2025 theme of “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent through Reparations.”

The President highlighted recent achievements in bilateral cooperation, noting: “I’m pleased that just yesterday, our Foreign Minister, the Honorable Samuel Kwabena Ablakwa and Honorable Joseph Anda, Foreign Minister of Grenada, co-chaired the inaugural session of the Ghana Grenada political consultations.”

He expressed confidence that “this mechanism will produce practical outcomes that deepen political, economic and cultural engagements between our two nations.”

President Mahama outlined key sectors for expanded cooperation, particularly in healthcare where “Grenada’s interest in recruiting Ghanaian nurses and allied health professionals presents a valuable opportunity for structured collaboration between our two countries.” He praised Ghanaian health workers, noting they “have gained international recognition for their professionalism and their compassion.”

Concluding the state reception, President Mahama expressed optimism about the future of Ghana-Grenada relations, stating: “I’m confident that the Prime Minister’s visit will inaugurate a new and promising chapter in Ghana-Grenada relations. “He called for “building on the shared history to foster shared prosperity, founded on trust, cooperation, and a deep belief in the common destiny of the peoples of Ghana and Grenada.”