President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to strengthen economic cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean through expanded trade, investment opportunities and improved regional connectivity.
The President said Ghana intends to use its upcoming chairmanship of the African Union (AU) to promote the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a strategic platform for connecting African and Caribbean markets.
President Mahama made the announcement during bilateral discussions with Bahamas Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
He explained that Ghana had identified the expansion of AfCFTA implementation as one of its major priorities ahead of assuming the AU chairmanship for a one-year term.
According to President Mahama, Ghana wants to explore opportunities to connect the AfCFTA with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), creating a larger trading bloc capable of promoting international trade and attracting investment.
He noted that although most African countries have signed the AfCFTA agreement, further work is required to complete the necessary procedures and fully implement its protocols.
The President also highlighted Ghana’s strategic position in the implementation of the continental free trade agreement, noting that the AfCFTA Secretariat is headquartered in Accra.
Mahama Seeks AfCFTA-CARICOM Trade Partnership
President Mahama said his recent visit to Jamaica had strengthened discussions about building closer economic relations between Africa and the Caribbean.
During his engagement with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness, he indicated Ghana’s intention to champion closer cooperation between AfCFTA and CARICOM when it assumes leadership of the African Union.
He said Ghana would seek the support of The Bahamas and other Caribbean countries to remove trade barriers and create easier access for businesses operating in both regions.
The proposed partnership is expected to improve market access, encourage private-sector investment and create new opportunities for African and Caribbean entrepreneurs.
Ghana Pushes Direct Flights and Port Connectivity
The President also identified transportation and logistics as critical areas requiring attention to strengthen trade between Africa and the Caribbean.
He called for the introduction of direct air services between the two regions, alongside improved port-to-port shipping arrangements to reduce lengthy transportation routes and lower the cost of international trade.
President Mahama further disclosed that discussions had begun on labour exchange programmes to encourage the movement of skilled workers and strengthen professional cooperation between African and Caribbean countries.
The bilateral engagement with Prime Minister Davis also covered direct air connectivity, maritime transportation, port infrastructure and cross-investment opportunities.
He stressed that Africa and the Caribbean needed a more direct and practical economic partnership to unlock their shared development potential.
AfCFTA Offers Access to $3 Trillion African Market
The African Continental Free Trade Area, headquartered in Accra, is designed to create a single African market covering approximately 1.4 billion people, with a combined gross domestic product approaching $3 trillion.
The agreement is expected to increase intra-African trade, promote industrialisation, strengthen regional value chains and attract foreign direct investment.
For Caribbean businesses, Ghana is positioning itself as a strategic gateway to the African market, while Jamaica and The Bahamas could provide access points to Caribbean and Latin American markets.
A stronger AfCFTA-CARICOM partnership could therefore create significant opportunities in manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, transportation, financial services and international commerce.
Ghana’s Upcoming African Union Chairmanship
President Mahama’s discussions with Prime Minister Davis took place as Commonwealth leaders gathered under the theme, “Accelerating Partnership and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth.”
Trade expansion, investment promotion and stronger economic cooperation among Commonwealth member states featured prominently on the meeting’s agenda.
Ghana is expected to assume the full African Union chairmanship in January 2027, following its election as First Vice Chair of the continental organisation for 2026.
President Mahama has identified AfCFTA implementation, African continental integration, peace and security as key priorities of Ghana’s planned AU leadership.
The proposed Africa-Caribbean economic partnership is expected to form part of broader efforts to expand international trade, strengthen South-South cooperation and create new investment opportunities for businesses across both regions.
Source: newsthemegh.com