President Mahama to embark on 4-day state visit to Jamaica

President John Dramani Mahama will undertake a historic four-day official visit to Jamaica in a move aimed at strengthening Ghana's partnership with the Caribbean and advancing the global campaign for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade.

According to a statement issued on July 30, 2026, President Mahama will be in Kingston from August 2 to August 5, 2026, to deepen Ghana's longstanding diplomatic ties with Jamaica, expand cooperation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and advance the global reparations agenda.

"This visit comes after Ghana recently provided support and relief to Jamaica following a major natural disaster. President Mahama's visit to Kingston will show Ghana's ongoing support for its Caribbean partners and highlight the strong connection between Africa and its Diaspora during difficult times and recovery," the statement said.

A key highlight of the visit will be President Mahama's participation in a high-level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, where he will join Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of UWI and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, to advance calls for reparatory justice.

"A key goal of the visit is to push forward the call for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting effects," the statement said.

It added that the dialogue builds on "Ghana's leadership in the African Union and CARICOM's efforts" to seek justice for the historical injustices of slavery and colonialism.

Beyond the reparations discussions, Mahama will hold high-level bilateral talks at the Office of the Prime Minister, where discussions will focus on trade, culture and South-South cooperation.

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He is also expected to address a joint session of Jamaica's Houses of Parliament at George William Gordon House, where he will outline his vision for strengthening Africa-Caribbean relations.

To deepen economic cooperation, Mahama will participate in a Trade and Investment Dialogue and tour the Kingston Freeport, hosted by the Port Authority of Jamaica.

The visit will also underscore the shared Pan-African heritage between the two countries.

Mahama will lay a wreath at the shrine of Jamaica's National Hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, at National Heroes Park before travelling to Seville Heritage Park in St Ann to visit the preserved Ghanaian Village Houses, which symbolise the ancestral links between Ghana and Jamaica.

The itinerary further includes a courtesy call by Jamaica's Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding, MP, and attendance at the ‘Mello-Go-Roun’ cultural event at the National Arena as the Caribbean nation celebrates its 64th Independence Anniversary.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen will also host a State Dinner in honour of Mahama at King's House.

"This important visit will set a new direction for Ghana-Jamaica relations, help Ghana become a gateway for CARICOM's engagement with Africa, and show a united effort in seeking reparations, economic strength, and South-South cooperation worldwide," the statement indicated.

Read the statement below