President John Dramani Mahama and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness held high-level talks in Kingston on Monday aimed at strengthening trade, investment and cultural ties, as Ghana seeks to deepen economic cooperation with Caribbean nations and broaden South-South partnerships.
The discussions, held at the Office of the Prime Minister as part of President Mahama’s four-day state visit to Jamaica, focused on expanding economic partnerships, increasing trade and investment opportunities, and enhancing collaboration in education and culture, according to a statement from the Ghanaian presidency.
The meeting discussed Ghana’s efforts to strengthen commercial and diplomatic relations beyond traditional partners in Europe and North America, while leveraging historical and cultural links with the Caribbean to unlock new economic opportunities.
President Mahama and his delegation were earlier received at King’s House in Kingston by Jamaica’s Governor-General, Sir Patrick Allen, and Lady Allen, before proceeding to the Executive Building for bilateral engagements with Holness and senior officials from both countries.
The two leaders first held a private meeting to discuss issues of mutual interest before leading their respective delegations in formal talks centered on trade, investment and cooperation on regional and international matters.
The discussions come in support of Ghana pursuing an export-led growth strategy under President Mahama’s administration, seeking to diversify markets for the Ghana’s products and attract foreign investment into key sectors of the economy.
Officials from both countries also explored ways to strengthen educational and cultural exchanges, building on longstanding historical ties rooted in the transatlantic connections between West Africa and the Caribbean.
Following the bilateral talks, President Mahama and Prime Minister Holness addressed a joint media briefing, where they reaffirmed their commitment to deepening relations between the two countries and expanding cooperation in areas of shared interest.
The visit is expected to pave the way for closer economic engagement between Ghana and Jamaica as both governments seek to strengthen South-South cooperation and boost trade and investment flows between Africa and the Caribbean.
President Mahama’s trip to Jamaica is part of a broader push to deepen partnerships with emerging economies and position Ghana as a gateway for investment and commerce in West Africa.
