Mahama Welcomes St. Kitts and Nevis Prime Minister, Calls for Stronger Global African Unity

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.”