President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, says Africa and the Caribbean must strengthen their historic partnership to achieve economic prosperity and advance reparatory justice for future generations.
Speaking at a reparatory justice dialogue, hosted by the University of the West Indies (UWI) Regional Headquarters on August 3, President Mahama said the relationship between Ghana and Jamaica is rooted in shared ancestry, culture and a common struggle for freedom.
Reflecting on Ghana’s history and the resistance of the Ashanti people against British colonial rule, he noted the striking cultural similarities between Ghanaians and Jamaicans.
“You can tell from the anthropology the similarity in terms of lineage, in terms of DNA, in terms of names, in terms of food. Everything just shows the connection between Ghana and Jamaica,” he said.
President Mahama described visits by members of the African Diaspora to Ghana as a right rather than a privilege, referencing the country’s ‘Door of Return’ initiative that welcomes descendants of enslaved Africans back to their ancestral homeland.
Recalling a recent re-enactment of the transatlantic slave trade at Ghana’s coast, he spoke emotionally about the inhumane conditions endured by enslaved Africans during the Middle Passage, including the abuse suffered by enslaved women and children.
He said preserving these historical truths is essential to ensuring future generations understand the magnitude of slavery and its lasting consequences.
The President also paid tribute to Jamaica’s National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Marcus Garvey, whose Pan-African philosophy inspired many African independence leaders, including Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah.
He also praised the enduring influence of Bob Marley, describing the reggae icon as one of his favourite artistes. “We grew up on Bob Marley’s music… his songs inspire us, especially the one that asks us to get rid of mental slavery. None but ourselves can free our minds,” President Mahama said.
While noting that Africa has largely won the battle for political independence, he stressed that the next challenge is achieving economic emancipation through stronger partnerships. “The battle that confronts us now is not a battle for liberation. We are independent anyway. The battle that confronts us is how we can cooperate to increase our economic development and create prosperity for our people,” he said.
President Mahama welcomed the growing collaboration between the University of Ghana and the University of the West Indies, describing it as another important bridge connecting Africa and the Caribbean through education, research and shared heritage.
The President undertook a four-day State Visit to Jamaica from August 2 to 5 at the invitation of Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Hon. Andrew Holness, with the visit coinciding with Jamaica’s Emancipation Day and Independence celebrations.
