President John Dramani Mahama has described economic emancipation as the next major challenge facing Ghana, Jamaica and other African countries, urging stronger cooperation to achieve sustainable development and shared prosperity.
Speaking at the Special High-Level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, President Mahama said Africa’s struggle for political independence had been achieved, but the focus must now shift towards building resilient economies that improve the lives of citizens.
He said the ideas and contributions of Pan-African leaders played a crucial role in inspiring independence movements across the continent and shaping Africa’s liberation journey.
President Mahama highlighted the historic ties between Ghana and Jamaica, referencing Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, and his admiration for Jamaican Pan-Africanist Marcus Garvey.
“Today, all that is history. But that was the fight for liberation,” he said.
According to him, the relationship between Ghana and Jamaica must now be used as a platform to promote economic transformation, investment and opportunities for citizens of both countries.
“But today, we’re faced with a new fight. The battle that confronts us is how we can cooperate to increase our economic development and create prosperity for our people,” President Mahama said.
He added that the new struggle for African nations is a collective effort to achieve economic independence and improve living standards.
