Ghana and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis have expanded their visa waiver agreement to include holders of ordinary passports, marking a major milestone in efforts to deepen diplomatic, economic and people-to-people relations between the two nations.

President John Dramani Mahama announced the expansion during a luncheon held in honor of the visiting Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Michael Drew, describing the move as a transformative step toward strengthening cooperation across the Atlantic.

According to President Mahama, the original 2018 visa waiver agreement, which previously applied only to diplomatic and service passport holders, has now been broadened to facilitate easier movement for ordinary citizens of both countries.

“This practical and transformative step will significantly facilitate tourism, trade, business exchanges and people-to-people connections,” President Mahama said.

He emphasized that easing travel restrictions forms part of a broader strategy to rebuild historical ties between Africa and the Caribbean, noting that the two regions are bound by shared ancestry and historical experiences.

“Our nations remain united by history, ancestry, culture and in spirit. What geography once divided, history now compels us to bring back together,” he said.

The Ghanaian leader added that the agreement represents more than diplomatic symbolism, stressing that it will help unlock economic opportunities for citizens and businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.

He said the expansion of the visa waiver would support tourism development, cultural exchanges and investment cooperation between Ghana and Saint Kitts and Nevis, adding that Ghana remains committed to strengthening South-South cooperation.

“We must move beyond remembrance to reconstruction, and transform shared memories into shared purpose,” he stated.

President Mahama also highlighted ongoing discussions between the two countries on structured labor mobility arrangements. He indicated that Ghana is prepared, where appropriate, to provide skilled professionals to support Saint Kitts and Nevis’ development priorities.

“We are prepared to support Saint Kitts and Nevis with skilled professionals, including nurses, teachers and other technical experts, while ensuring mutually beneficial frameworks,” he said.

He further identified priority sectors for collaboration, including tourism development, climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy, blue economy initiatives, heritage tourism and cultural industries.

Mahama stressed that improved air connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean remains essential for expanding trade and investment partnerships, encouraging both countries to leverage existing platforms such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African-Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum.

The president also commended Prime Minister Drew for his leadership of CARICOM and his commitment to strengthening regional cooperation among Caribbean states.

Ghana also reiterated its support for small island developing states, particularly in addressing challenges posed by climate change, rising sea levels and economic vulnerabilities.

“Our solidarity with Saint Kitts and Nevis is also a commitment to climate justice, equitable access to climate finance and reform of global financial institutions to reflect the realities of developing nations,” Mahama said.

Prime Minister Drew’s visit to Ghana, which coincides with the country’s 69th Independence Anniversary celebrations, is being viewed as a historic moment in Ghana-Caribbean relations.

President Mahama expressed confidence that the expanded visa waiver agreement would open new chapters of cooperation between the two countries and strengthen ancestral, cultural and economic bonds.

The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Michael Drew, has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama’s address at the United Nations General Assembly inspired his decision to strengthen diplomatic engagement with Ghana during his official visit to Accra.

Speaking during high-level discussions with President Mahama, Dr. Drew said he was deeply moved after listening to the Ghanaian leader’s UN speech, which he described as powerful, visionary, and reflective of shared global aspirations.

“There are many speeches delivered at the United Nations General Assembly,” Dr. Drew said. “But I particularly listened to your speech, and your speech inspired me. I told my team that I wanted to meet you.”

The St. Kitts and Nevis leader explained that his visit to Ghana was not only a diplomatic mission but also a symbolic reaffirmation of historical and cultural ties between the Caribbean and Africa.

“I am not only meeting you, Mr. President, but you have welcomed me at home. Thank you very much,” he said. “As I arrived in Ghana and was driving along the streets, I could not tell the difference whether I was at home or in a foreign country.”

Dr. Drew emphasized the shared history between St. Kitts and Nevis and Ghana, tracing the connection to the transatlantic slave trade, which he said forcibly linked the ancestors of both nations.

“We come not only as partners in diplomacy, but as family,” he said. “The transatlantic slave trade forcibly connected our ancestors, but it did not erase their identity, culture, intellect, or resilience.”

He further noted that African cultural influence remains strong in Caribbean societies, particularly in music, spirituality, cuisine, and communal traditions.

“In our music, our spirituality, our cuisine, and our communal traditions, the spirit of Africa lives on in St. Kitts and Nevis and across the Caribbean,” he added.

The Prime Minister also drew historical parallels between Ghana’s independence struggle under Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and the Caribbean’s quest for self-determination.

“Ghana’s journey from the Gold Coast to independence resonates deeply with our own path to self-determination,” he said. “We are nations with strong voices, and we understand the power of togetherness in shaping our destiny.”

Dr. Drew further stressed that relations between the two countries must go beyond history to focus on practical cooperation in development.

“Our relationship is not confined to the pages of history. It is active, growing, and forward-looking,” he stated.

He highlighted ongoing cooperation in education, including a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Ghana aimed at promoting research, innovation, youth development, and academic exchange.

“Just this year, we formally signed an MOU with the University of Ghana to enhance cooperation in education, research, youth development, and innovation,” he said.

The Prime Minister also mentioned collaboration in healthcare, particularly the recruitment of Ghanaian nurses to support St. Kitts and Nevis’ healthcare sector.

He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and expanding Africa-Caribbean relations, noting that his role as former Chair of CARICOM had strengthened his resolve to promote global south partnerships.

“St. Kitts and Nevis sees Ghana not only as a historical anchor but as a strategic partner in Africa,” Dr. Drew said. “We are here to listen, to share, to learn from each other, and most importantly, to stand together in the spirit of shared destiny.”

President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening ties with the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, as he warmly welcomed Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew and his delegation to Accra ahead of Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary celebrations.

Speaking during official engagements at the Jubilee House, President Mahama described the Prime Minister’s visit as a symbolic “return home,” underscoring the shared history and enduring bonds between Ghana and the Caribbean nation.

“It is my great pleasure to extend a warm and heartfelt welcome to my dear brother, the Prime Minister of the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance Drew, and his distinguished delegation to Ghana,” President Mahama said. “Mr. Prime Minister, your presence here in Accra signifies a return home.”

He added: “On behalf of the Government and people of Ghana—your brothers and sisters—I warmly welcome you. We are especially grateful that you have extended your stay to join us in commemorating Ghana’s 69th Independence Anniversary.”

President Mahama emphasised the deep historical ties between the two countries, rooted in the shared experience of the transatlantic slave trade.

“Our two nations are bound by a shared history and heritage,” he stated. “Although the transatlantic slave trade cruelly separated us, the resilience of our ancestors and the enduring courage of our global African family continue to shape our common destiny.”

He noted that discussions between the two leaders would focus on key sectors, including health, education, trade and investment, tourism, skills development, and cultural exchange, as well as cooperation within multilateral institutions.

“Today’s discussions will focus on priority areas of mutual interest, including health cooperation, education, trade and investment, tourism, skills development, cultural exchange and collaboration in multilateral forums,” he said. “We will also explore other areas within the broader framework of South-South cooperation and strengthen people-to-people exchanges.”

The President used the occasion to caution against emerging forms of neo-colonialism and external influences that undermine Africa’s development.

“At a time when some seek to perpetuate neo-colonial structures that constrain the growth and aspirations of our people, we must remain vigilant,” President Mahama declared. “As Africans, we cannot afford to be unaware of forces that work against our collective progress or attempt to sow division within our global African family.”

He stressed the need for unity and self-determination across the African world.

“We must remain united. We must marshal our collective resolve and commit ourselves to developing our nations for the benefit of our own people,” he said.

President Mahama further highlighted his administration’s commitment to translating political independence into economic transformation.

“The inspiration that political independence ignited across our continent must now be transformed into economic emancipation,” he noted. “We must build a future in which every Black person, anywhere in the world, is accorded dignity, respect, and equal opportunity.”

Reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to its bilateral relationship with Saint Kitts and Nevis, the President concluded on a note of optimism.

“As we commence these deliberations, I wish to assure you that Ghana attaches the highest importance to its relationship with Saint Kitts and Nevis,” he said. “We approach our discussions with optimism, goodwill, and a shared determination to translate our friendship and brotherhood into concrete outcomes for our people.”