By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, July 30, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama will make a four-day official visit to Kingston from Sunday, 2 August, to Wednesday, 5 August.
A statement issued by Mr Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State in-charge of Government Communications, said the visit was meant to strengthen the long-standing historical and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Jamaica and encourage more cooperation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
“This visit comes after Ghana recently provided support and relief to Jamaica following a major natural disaster,” it stated.
The statement said President Mahama’s visit to Kingston would show Ghana’s ongoing support for its Caribbean partners and highlight the strong connection between Africa and its Diaspora during difficult times and recovery.
It noted that the key goal of the visit was to push forward the call for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting effects.
It said building on Ghana’s leadership in the African Union and CARICOM’s efforts, President Mahama would join a high-level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, with Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of UWI and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission.
The statement said to honour the shared Pan-African history, the President would lay a wreath at the shrine of National Hero The Right Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey at National Heroes Park.
It added that he would also visit Seville Heritage Park in St Ann to see the preserved Ghanaian Village Houses, recognising the ancestral roots that connect both countries.
It said the overview of official activities include high-level bilateral talks at the Office of the Prime Minister, focusing on trade, culture and South-South cooperation.
It said President Mahama would speak to a joint session of the Houses of Parliament at George William Gordon House, sharing his vision for a stronger Africa-Caribbean partnership.
It noted that there would be a Trade and Investment Dialogue and a tour of the Kingston Freeport, hosted by the Port Authority of Jamaica.
It said the itinerary includes a courtesy visit from the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Mark Golding, MP, and attending the “Mello-Go-Roun” cultural event at the National Arena as Jamaica celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary.
Also, Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen would host a state dinner in honour of President Mahama at King’s House.
“This important visit would set a new direction for Ghana—Jamaica relations, help Ghana become a gateway for CARICOM’s engagement with Africa, and show a united effort in seeking reparations, economic strength, and South-South cooperation worldwide,” the statement said
GNA
Edited by Benjamin Mensah