Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Amiss Thomas Mitchell, has revealed that DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) test traces his ancestry to the Akan people of Ghana.
He made the disclosure on Friday in his remarks during a bilateral meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra.
The Prime Minister who arrived in Accra, on Thursday, October 16, is in the country for a two-day official visit.
“I should start by telling Your Excellency that in July at the African Bank Conference, I revealed my DNA ancestry tracing on my maternal side, and it was traced to the Akan people of Ghana,” he stated.
“So, I think I could say the Akwaaba that was given to me yesterday, I think, is a reflection of the homecoming that is deeply personal to me, but I think it’s anecdotal to Grenada and the Caribbean.
“I’m not so sure of the veracity of it, but I’m told 75 per cent of the population of Grenada can trace its ancestry to Ghana,” he said.
He noted that the very first African country he ever visited was Ghana.
He reiterated the need for the deliberate use of the ocean as a bridge to make sure that those in the Caribbean could reconnect in a deliberate way with their roots, both politically, socially, culturally, and importantly, economically as well.
Prime Minister Mitchell said oftentimes, they welcome the conversations and the bilateral meetings, but they also recognize the importance of trade, because it was through trade that led to the dark middle passage, the transatlantic slave trade.
“But obviously, we want to be able to trade and grow economies and make sure citizens benefit from a trade that is progressive, that is deliberate and looks after the well-being for citizens,” he said.
The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation to President Mahama for hosting him and his delegation.
Prime Minister Mitchell, who is the leader of the ruling political party in Grenada, by name National Democratic Congress (NDC), same name as that of the ruling party of Ghana, also extended an invitation to President Mahama, who is also the leader of the National Democratic Congress in Ghana to reciprocate his visit by visiting Grenada next year.
Source: GNA
