Ghana‘s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has arrived in Jamaica for a two-day official and solidarity visit aimed at deepening bilateral relations and reaffirming Ghana’s historic ties with the Caribbean nation.
Upon arrival, the Minister was warmly received by his Jamaican counterpart, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, JP, and expressed appreciation to the Government of Jamaica for its exceptional hospitality.
A central focus of the visit is to engage directly with Ghanaian troops who have been deployed to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
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Hon. Ablakwa is expected to visit members of the Ghana Armed Forces, drawn from the renowned 48 Engineer Regiment, who have spent about six weeks in Jamaica supporting reconstruction efforts after the hurricane led to significant destruction and loss of lives.
During this engagement, he will deliver a special message from Ghana’s Commander-in-Chief, President John Dramani Mahama, to the soldiers in recognition of their service and sacrifice.
As part of the visit, the Foreign Affairs Minister will also hold bilateral discussions with the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP. The talks are expected to strengthen cooperation between the two countries across key sectors.
The official trip is further expected to conclude technical consultations towards the exportation of Ghanaian health workers and teachers to Jamaica within the year, marking a significant step in practical South–South cooperation and skills exchange.
Accompanying Hon. Ablakwa on the visit are the Deputy Minister for Defence, Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi; Presidential Special Envoy to the Caribbean, H.E. Kwasi Kyei Darkwah; the Chief of the Army Staff, Major General Lawrence K. S. Gbetanu; senior military officers; and directors from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education, and Health.
Reaffirming the deep historical and cultural connections between the two nations, the Minister underscored that the ancestral and familial bond between Ghana and Jamaica remains unbreakable.
