By: Celestine Avi and Seth Eyiah
President John Dramani Mahama has warmly welcomed the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, describing his visit as a symbolic “return home.”
Prime Minister Drew, who is on a five-day official visit to Ghana, has already called on the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana and held bilateral talks with President Mahama at the Presidency. The visit coincides with Ghana’s 69th Independence Day celebration on March 6 and includes further engagements such as an official luncheon.
Shared Heritage and Common Destiny
President Mahama highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between the two nations, noting that while the transatlantic slave trade once separated their peoples, it did not erase their identity, culture, or resilience.
“The fortitude of our ancestors and the spirit of our global African family continue to shape our common destiny,” he said, emphasizing that unity, prosperity, and justice remain the goal for future generations.
The discussions between the leaders focus on priority areas including health and education cooperation, trade and investment, tourism, skills development, cultural exchange, and multilateral collaboration. President Mahama also stressed the importance of South-South cooperation and strengthening people-to-people engagement, underlining that Ghana attaches the highest importance to its relations with St. Kitts and Nevis and the wider Caribbean.
Unity Against New Forms of Exploitation
President Mahama warned against emerging forms of economic domination and new colonial structures that could undermine African progress. He called on African and Caribbean nations to mobilize their common resolve, safeguard sovereignty, and prioritize development for their own people.
“The inspiration of political independence must now transform into economic empowerment, ensuring dignity and opportunity for people of African descent everywhere,” he said.
Reparatory Justice and Strategic Partnerships
Prime Minister Drew, also Chair of CARICOM, described Ghana as a strategic partner and gateway for deeper Africa-Caribbean engagement. He highlighted the global significance of reparatory justice, noting it is about recognition, repair, and restructuring of systems shaped by exploitation, rather than mere compensation.
The Prime Minister praised Ghana’s historical leadership in Africa and expressed optimism that the visit will mark a new chapter in relations between the two nations, anchored in shared destiny, mutual respect, and expanded collaboration in education, healthcare, trade, investment, and cultural diplomacy.
Looking Forward
As part of his visit, Prime Minister Drew is expected to tour Ghana’s historical and cultural landmarks, including the W. E. B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Pan-African Culture, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and the Cape Coast Castle, and pay a courtesy call on the Omanhene of the Oguaa Traditional Area, Osabarimba Kwesi Atta.
Both leaders agreed that the visit is not only a diplomatic engagement but a symbolic renewal of a longstanding partnership between Ghana and St. Kitts and Nevis, reaffirming the shared commitment to African-Caribbean solidarity and prosperity.
