President John Dramani Mahama has urged African and Caribbean nations to deepen cooperation and focus on economic emancipation, saying the next phase of Pan-African unity should prioritize economic growth, trade, investment, and shared prosperity.
Speaking at the Special High-Level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, President Mahama said the historic relationship between Ghana and Jamaica was built on a common struggle for political freedom, but today’s priority should be creating sustainable economic opportunities for future generations.
Mahama Says the New Battle Is Economic Prosperity
The President noted that Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was greatly inspired by Jamaican Pan-African leader Marcus Garvey, whose ideas helped shape Ghana’s independence movement.
According to President Mahama, while African and Caribbean countries have successfully achieved political independence, the current challenge is ensuring economic development, wealth creation, and improved living standards.
“The battle that confronts us now is not the battle for liberation—we’re independent anyway. The battle that confronts us is how we can cooperate to increase our economic development and create prosperity for our people. The battle now is the battle for economic emancipation,” he stated.
Ghana and Caribbean Nations Must Strengthen Economic Cooperation
President Mahama emphasized that stronger partnerships between Ghana, Jamaica, and other Caribbean countries are essential for expanding international trade, foreign investment, tourism, innovation, and business opportunities.
He said regular diplomatic engagements and high-level visits should move beyond celebrating shared history and instead focus on building stronger economic partnerships capable of delivering long-term benefits for citizens across both regions.
Reparations Dialogue Focuses on Africa-Caribbean Relations
The President made the remarks during the Special High-Level Reparations Dialogue, held as part of his official state visit to Jamaica.
The discussions centered on strengthening the historical, cultural, and economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean, while exploring new opportunities for collaboration in trade, investment, education, tourism, and sustainable economic development.
President Mahama reiterated that closer cooperation between African and Caribbean nations will be key to achieving economic emancipation, creating jobs, boosting entrepreneurship, and improving prosperity for future generations.
Source: newsthemegh.com