Mahama’s UN Address Inspired My Visit to Ghana — St. Kitts PM Drew

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.”