President John Dramani Mahama will undertake a four-day official visit to Kingston, Jamaica, from Sunday, August 2, to Wednesday, August 5, 2026, to strengthen the long-standing historical and diplomatic relations between Ghana and Jamaica and deepen cooperation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
According to a statement issued by the Spokesperson to the President and Minister for Government Communications, Hon. Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the visit follows Ghana’s recent support to Jamaica after a major national disaster and underscores Ghana’s continued commitment to its Caribbean partners. The statement said the visit will also highlight the enduring historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, particularly during periods of recovery and renewed cooperation.
A major highlight of the visit will be President Mahama’s participation in a high-level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, alongside Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of UWI and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission. The dialogue will advance ongoing efforts by the African Union and CARICOM to seek reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting consequences.
As part of the official programme, President Mahama will lay a wreath at the shrine of The Right Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey at the National Heroes Park and visit the preserved Ghanaian Village Houses at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann to honour the shared ancestral heritage linking Ghana and Jamaica.
The President is also expected to hold bilateral talks with the Jamaican Government on trade, investment, culture and South-South cooperation. He will address a joint sitting of the Jamaican Parliament at George William Gordon House, participate in a Trade and Investment Dialogue, tour the Kingston Freeport, pay a courtesy call on Opposition Leader Mark Golding, and attend Jamaica’s 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations.
The statement further noted that Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen will host a State Dinner in honour of President Mahama at King’s House. It added that the visit is expected to open a new chapter in Ghana-Jamaica relations, strengthen Ghana’s role as a gateway for CARICOM’s engagement with Africa, and reinforce collaboration on reparations, economic development and South-South cooperation.
Story by Freedom Etsey Lavoe
