Africa and the Caribbean must turn the atlantic into a bridge, not a barrier- President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger transport and trade links between Africa and the Caribbean, urging both regions to transform the Atlantic Ocean from a historical barrier into a bridge for economic cooperation, investment and shared prosperity.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness after bilateral talks in Kingston, Jamaica, President Mahama said the time had come for African and Caribbean nations to strengthen connectivity through direct air and maritime links to boost trade and people-to-people exchanges.
“We must work to increase trade amongst ourselves, and we can only do that if we put in the logistical infrastructure between us,” the President said.
He explained that one of the key outcomes of the bilateral discussions was the commitment to fast-track the Ghana-Jamaica Bilateral Air Services Agreement, which is currently before Ghana’s Parliament. Once ratified, the agreement is expected to pave the way for direct flights between Accra and Montego Bay by national or third-party carriers.
According to President Mahama, improved air connectivity will complement efforts to establish stronger maritime links between West Africa and the Caribbean.
He disclosed that the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Maritime Authority was part of the Ghanaian delegation and had already held discussions with Jamaican officials on strengthening cooperation in maritime transport.
“We are all making efforts in order that we can traverse the Atlantic and make the Atlantic become a bridge rather than a barrier between us,” he stated.
The President said both Ghana and Jamaica are strategically positioned as important maritime hubs in their respective regions and can leverage that advantage to facilitate the movement of goods and services across the Atlantic.
He expressed optimism that ongoing collaboration would soon result in direct air services between West Africa and the Caribbean, as well as direct transshipment routes to improve trade between the two regions.
President Mahama noted that enhanced connectivity would support broader efforts to expand investment and commerce, particularly through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which provides access to a market of more than 1.4 billion people.
Beyond transport and trade, he said Ghana and Jamaica had agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, healthcare, education and cultural exchange, while also reaffirming their shared commitment to advancing the global reparations agenda.
Describing his four-day state visit as “very productive and forward-looking,” President Mahama said the engagements had produced a clear roadmap for strengthening Ghana-Jamaica relations and building a partnership focused on economic growth and shared development.
