By Hannah Dadzie
Ghana and Jamaica are exploring direct flights, expanded trade relations and the establishment of resident diplomatic missions as both countries move to deepen economic and cultural cooperation.
The discussions formed part of the Third Session of the Ghana-Jamaica Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation (PJCC) held in Accra, where both countries signed agreements covering health, defence, education and culture.
Speaking at the opening session, Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said Ghana and Jamaica must move beyond symbolic historical ties and focus on practical partnerships that deliver measurable benefits to citizens.
Mr Ablakwa disclosed that President John Dramani Mahama has directed the technical committee overseeing the revival of Ghana Airways to prioritise a direct Ghana-Caribbean route once the national airline resumes operations. According to him, establishing direct connectivity between Ghana and Jamaica would strengthen tourism, trade, cultural exchange and diaspora relations.
“The route Ghana to the Caribbean must be a must,” he stated.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also announced plans to establish resident diplomatic missions in both countries, describing the move as long overdue.
“It is time to have a Ghana High Commission in Jamaica and it is time to have a Jamaican High Commission in Ghana,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa noted that the growing movement of people between the two countries since the introduction of a mutual visa waiver agreement in 2019 demonstrates the need for stronger institutional and commercial ties.
He said Ghana and Jamaica are well-positioned to increase collaboration in tourism, education, healthcare, technology, sports, creative arts and investment.
The minister further stressed that Ghana’s hosting of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat and Jamaica’s strategic location in the Caribbean present opportunities for businesses in both countries to access wider markets.
Jamaica’s Foreign Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith also underscored the importance of economic cooperation, announcing that a Jamaican trade mission made up of 38 companies is expected to visit Ghana in July.
She said the delegation would include investors and officials from Jamaica’s trade and investment agencies seeking partnerships with Ghanaian businesses.
Senator Johnson Smith described the PJCC as the beginning of a “new energy and commitment” in relations between the two countries after more than two decades without the commission meeting.
The session also saw the signing of Memoranda of Understanding on the recruitment of Ghanaian health professionals and teachers to Jamaica, defence cooperation, and enhanced collaboration in arts and culture.
Both ministers highlighted the importance of transforming historical and cultural ties into practical economic partnerships capable of creating jobs, promoting investment and strengthening links between Africa and the Caribbean.
