STATEMENT: President Mahama to undertake historic official visit to Jamaica.

President John Dramani Mahama will make a four-day official visit to Kingston from Sunday, 2 August to Wednesday, 5 August 2026. The visit is meant to strengthen the long-standing historical and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Jamaica and encourage more cooperation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

This visit comes after Ghana recently provided support and relief to Jamaica following a major natural disaster. President Mahama's visit to Kingston will show Ghana's ongoing support for its Caribbean partners and highlight the strong connection between Africa and its Diaspora during difficult times and recovery.

A key goal of the visit is to push forward the call for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting effects. Building on Ghana's leadership in the African Union and CARICOM's efforts, President Mahama will join a high-level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, with Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of UWI and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission.

To honour the shared Pan-African history, the President will lay a wreath at the shrine of National Hero The Right Honourable Marcus Mosiah Garvey at National Heroes Park. He will also visit Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann to see the preserved Ghanaian Village Houses, recognising the ancestral roots that connect both countries.

Overview of Official Activities.
1. High-level bilateral talks will take place at the Office of the Prime Minister, focusing on trade, culture, and South-South cooperation.

2. President Mahama will speak to a joint session of the Houses of Parliament at George William Gordon House, sharing his vision for a stronger Africa-Caribbean partnership.

3. There will be a Trade and Investment Dialogue and a tour of the Kingston Freeport, hosted by the Port Authority of Jamaica.

4. The itinerary includes a courtesy visit from the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Mark Golding, MP, and attending the "Mello-Go-Roun" cultural event at the National Arena as Jamaica celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary.

5. Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen will host a State Dinner in honour of President Mahama at King's House.

This important visit will set a new direction for Ghana-Jamaica relations, help Ghana become a gateway for CARICOM's engagement with Africa, and show a united effort in seeking reparations, economic strength, and South-South cooperation worldwide.

Felix Kwakye Ofosu (MP)
Spokesperson to the President,
Minister, Government Communications.