Ghana and Jamaica have agreed to deepen transatlantic cooperation, moving from a history of political solidarity to a modern partnership focused on trade, direct air links, health, defence and climate action.

President John Dramani Mahama made the announcement during a joint press conference in Kingston with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, describing the goal as turning the Atlantic Ocean “from a barrier into a bridge” between West Africa and the Caribbean.

Economic and transport cooperation

The two leaders said they want to create smoother transport connections between the regions. They agreed to fast-track a Bilateral Air Services Agreement that would eventually allow direct flights between Accra and Montego Bay.

Maritime officials from both countries are also exploring new shipping routes to build what they described as a “hub-to-hub” economic system, aimed at simplifying cargo movement and reducing transport costs.

Health, education and defence ties

Under a new cooperation framework, Ghanaian health workers will support Jamaica’s health system, and both countries will exchange staff for specialised training. The leaders also discussed teacher exchange programmes in mathematics, physics and science.

On defence, President Mahama praised Jamaica’s recovery after Hurricane Melissa, which caused about US$12 billion in damage. He highlighted Ghana’s earlier military support after the disaster and announced a new Defence Cooperation Agreement covering joint military training, disaster response and climate resilience.

Reparations and historical links

Both leaders reaffirmed support for the global reparations movement. They said Ghana and CARICOM will continue working on the issue through dedicated legal and expert groups in Accra, following Ghana’s UN resolution that described the transatlantic slave trade as a crime against humanity.

“Ghana fully supports Jamaica’s petition to the British Royal Family because there are different paths leading to the same objective of justice,” President Mahama said.

He also recalled the historical connection between the two countries, noting how Jamaican-born Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey influenced Ghana’s founding president, Kwame Nkrumah. He said Ghana’s “Black Star” symbol and its first shipping line were inspired by Garvey’s ideas, and he praised Bob Marley’s message of mental freedom ahead of a planned visit to the Marley museum.

President Mahama thanked Prime Minister Holness for agreeing to attend Ghana’s 70th Independence Anniversary next year and congratulated Jamaica ahead of its Independence Day on 6 August.

By Blessed EDUAMOAH DADZIE