Ablakwa announces new trade and diplomatic initiatives with Caribbean countries

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced significant progress in Ghana's trade and diplomatic relations with Caribbean countries, with new developments in port cooperation, energy investment, tourism, healthcare and air connectivity.

The progress follows a series of bilateral meetings between Mr Ablakwa and his counterparts from Antigua and Barbuda, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago on the sidelines of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda.

In a Facebook post on Thursday, November 5, the Minister said the engagements provided an opportunity to assess existing partnerships and explore new areas of cooperation with Ghana's strategic partners.

He disclosed that Antigua and Barbuda has requested additional Ghanaian health workers following the positive impact made by the first batch of 120 nurses deployed to the Caribbean country.

He said the first group of Ghanaian nurses had made an impressive impact on the country's healthcare sector, prompting the Antiguan government to seek more professionals from Ghana.

"My bilateral meeting with host Foreign Minister His Excellency Everly Paul Chet Greene of Antigua and Barbuda confirmed that the first group of 120 nurses from Ghana is making an impressive impact. Antigua has therefore requested more health workers," Mr Ablakwa stated.

The development marks a boost for Ghana's labour mobility programme, which seeks to create employment opportunities for Ghanaian professionals while helping partner countries address shortages in key sectors.

Mr Ablakwa also announced that a new visa waiver arrangement covering all categories of passport holders is expected to strengthen relations between Ghana and Antigua and Barbuda.

He said the agreement would make it easier for citizens of both countries to travel and support increased trade, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.

"Our new Visa Waiver for all categories of passport holders is expected to bring us closer as we deepen trade, tourism and people to people relations," he said.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also announced progress on a major maritime cooperation agreement between Ghana and Jamaica, which is now ready.

The agreement was discussed during his meeting with Jamaica's Foreign Affairs Minister, Kamina Johnson Smith.

Under the proposed partnership, Ghana's Tema Port and Jamaica's Port of Kingston are expected to establish comprehensive cooperation to improve trade, logistics and maritime operations.

The arrangement is also expected to create jobs and strengthen economic relations between the two countries.

Mr Ablakwa described the agreement as an important development in Ghana-Jamaica relations.

"My engagement with Jamaican Foreign Minister, Her Excellency Kamina Johnson Smith highlighted our crucial Ghana-Jamaica Port Cooperation Agreement which is now ready," he said.

He added that the partnership between the two ports would focus on boosting trade, logistics, maritime cooperation and job creation.

The port agreement is expected to provide new opportunities for businesses and strengthen commercial links between Ghana and the Caribbean.

Mr Ablakwa further disclosed that Ghana's latest group of nurses had arrived in Jamaica under the labour mobility programme negotiated by the two countries last year.

The deployment is part of efforts to expand employment opportunities for Ghanaian health professionals while supporting Jamaica's healthcare workforce.

Ghana is also seeking to deepen its economic relations with Trinidad and Tobago, particularly in the oil and gas industry.

Mr Ablakwa said he held a substantive meeting with the country's Foreign Affairs Minister, Sean S.M. Sobers, MP, to discuss new investments and opportunities to expand cooperation in the energy sector.

The two countries are expected to explore further areas of partnership in an industry that remains important to their respective economies.

As part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic relations, Ghana is expected to commission its new High Commission in Trinidad next year.

The establishment of the mission is expected to improve Ghana's diplomatic presence in the Caribbean and provide greater support for trade, investment and cooperation between the two countries.

The government is also working to improve air connectivity between Ghana and Caribbean countries through new air services agreements.

According to Mr Ablakwa, negotiations on the agreements are being finalised to pave the way for direct flights between Ghana and the Caribbean.

He explained that the proposed arrangements would be implemented when the ongoing revival of Ghana Airways is completed.

The move is expected to make travel between the two regions easier, while supporting tourism, trade and business relations.

Direct air links could also strengthen the historical and cultural connections between Ghana and Caribbean countries, many of which share deep ties with Africa.

Beyond his engagements with Caribbean countries, Mr Ablakwa also held discussions with an Australian official on international peace, security and reform of the United Nations.

He met James Buttigieg, Australia's Assistant Secretary for Multilateral Peace, Security and Candidacies, to discuss areas of shared interest as Australia seeks membership of the United Nations Security Council.

The discussions also form part of Ghana's wider diplomatic efforts to build international support for reforms that would give Africa a stronger voice in global affairs.

Mr Ablakwa said Ghana was strengthening its relations with international partners ahead of its role as Chair of the African Union next year.

He stressed the need for Africa to secure permanent representation on the UN Security Council, arguing that the continent must have a stronger role in decisions affecting international peace and security.

"As Chair of the African Union next year we are forging closer ties with international allies to advance Africa's case for UN reforms as we ensure Africa is permanently represented on the UN Security Council," he said.

He further outlined other issues Ghana intends to advance on the international stage, including reforms to the global financial system, artificial intelligence regulation, climate justice, resource sovereignty, reparatory justice and conflict resolution.