President John Dramani Mahama has called for a renewed focus on economic cooperation between Ghana and Jamaica, describing economic development as the next major challenge facing countries with shared historical ties.
Speaking at a Special High-Level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, the President said the relationship between the two nations had deep roots, shaped by a common history and the influence of figures such as Marcus Garvey.
“I’m happy to have come to Jamaica. We all know the relationships that have existed between Ghana and Jamaica. Indeed, our first president, of blessed memory, had always written and spoken about Marcus Garvey and the influence he had on him,” President Mahama said.
He noted that while earlier generations fought for political freedom and independence, current challenges require a different form of struggle focused on improving livelihoods and expanding economic opportunities.
“Today, all that is history. But that was the fight for liberation,” he said.
President Mahama said Ghana and Jamaica must now deepen collaboration to address economic challenges and build prosperity for their citizens.
“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. And so the battle now is the battle for economic emancipation,” he added.
The President’s remarks formed part of discussions on reparations, historical connections, and the need for stronger partnerships among nations linked by a shared past.
