President John Dramani Mahama has pledged to strengthen economic cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean through increased trade, investment and closer regional partnerships.

He made the commitment during bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Philip Edward Davis, on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.

The discussions focused on opportunities to strengthen relations between the two regions and remove barriers that limit trade and investment.

Mahama proposes linking AfCFTA and CARICOM

A major proposal discussed by President Mahama was the possibility of linking the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

He believes closer cooperation between the two regional blocs could create a much larger trading market and expand opportunities for businesses across Africa and the Caribbean.

President Mahama said Ghana intends to make the AfCFTA a key priority during its one-year chairmanship of the African Union.

He noted that although many African countries have signed the AfCFTA protocols, more work is required to advance implementation and strengthen continental trade.

The AfCFTA Secretariat is headquartered in Accra, giving Ghana an important role in efforts to promote trade integration across the continent.

Direct flights and improved port connections

President Mahama also proposed establishing direct air connections between Africa and the Caribbean to make travel and business engagements easier.

He further called for improved port-to-port transport arrangements to reduce the need for longer shipping routes between the two regions.

According to the President, better air and maritime connections would help businesses take advantage of trade opportunities and strengthen economic relations.

The discussions also touched on the possibility of exchanging labour and expertise between African and Caribbean countries.

Ghana seeks stronger partnership with Caribbean countries

President Mahama referred to his earlier diplomatic visit to Jamaica, where he held discussions with Prime Minister Andrew Holness on strengthening relations between Africa and the Caribbean.

He said the proposed partnership would require cooperation and support from Caribbean countries, including The Bahamas, to address barriers affecting trade between the two regions.

The engagement with Prime Minister Davis forms part of Ghana’s wider diplomatic efforts to strengthen South-South cooperation and expand economic partnerships beyond traditional markets.

AfCFTA at the centre of Ghana’s AU agenda

Ghana is expected to assume the African Union chairmanship in January 2027, and President Mahama has indicated that advancing the AfCFTA will be among the key priorities of the country’s leadership.

The agreement seeks to create a single African market for goods and services, encourage investment and support economic integration among member states.

Linking Africa’s continental trade arrangement with CARICOM could create further opportunities for businesses, investors and workers on both sides of the Atlantic.

The latest discussions highlight Ghana’s intention to use its diplomatic engagements to promote stronger economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean.

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