Mahama Urges Ghanaian and Jamaican Businesses to Drive Cross-Investment and Growth

President John Dramani Mahama has called on Ghanaian and Jamaican businesses to seize investment opportunities in each other’s countries, describing stronger private-sector collaboration as the key to unlocking a new era of economic cooperation between Ghana and Jamaica.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness after bilateral talks in Kingston, President Mahama said both countries must move beyond their shared Pan-African history and focus on creating prosperity through trade, investment and deeper economic integration.

He noted that while the historical relationship between Ghana and Jamaica was built on the struggle against colonialism and inspired by Pan-African icons such as Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and Marcus Garvey, the current priority should be the economic emancipation of their people.

“We have no option than to work together, bring our comparative advantages together to be able to create the prosperity that our people deserve,” President Mahama said.

The President revealed that he and Prime Minister Holness discussed bringing together business leaders from both countries to encourage cross-investment in sectors including manufacturing, construction, real estate and services.

“There are many opportunities that exist here in Jamaica and there are many opportunities that exist in Ghana,” he said, adding that both countries have ambitions to become economic hubs within their respective regions.

President Mahama explained that Ghana offers Jamaican investors a strategic gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), giving businesses access to a market of more than 1.4 billion people with a combined Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of nearly $3 trillion.

“You are able to produce or manufacture in one country and export to the other 54 countries,” he noted.

As part of his state visit, the President said he would meet Jamaican business leaders during a working lunch to showcase investment opportunities in Ghana while also encouraging Ghanaian companies to explore business prospects in Jamaica.

President Mahama also announced plans to fast-track the ratification of the Ghana-Jamaica Bilateral Air Services Agreement, currently before Parliament, to pave the way for direct flights between Accra and Montego Bay.

He said improved air connectivity, together with stronger maritime cooperation, would enhance the movement of people, goods and services between West Africa and the Caribbean.

The President further disclosed that Ghana and Jamaica had discussed expanding cooperation in defence, healthcare and education, including exchanges of military personnel, health professionals and teachers.

On reparations, President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s support for Jamaica’s campaign, describing it as part of a broader global effort to secure justice for the descendants of Africans affected by the transatlantic slave trade.

He concluded that the state visit had been “very productive and forward-looking,” expressing confidence that the agreements reached would deepen Ghana-Jamaica relations and create lasting economic opportunities for both countries.