President John Dramani Mahama has addressed a Joint Session of the Jamaican Parliament to commemorate the country’s 64th Independence Day, delivering a historic speech that traced the shared history between Ghana and Jamaica while calling for deeper partnership between Africa and the Caribbean.
President Mahama opened his address by expressing gratitude for the honour of speaking before Jamaica’s Parliament, bringing greetings on behalf of Ghana and the wider African continent.
“I bring you warm fraternal greetings from the government and people of the Republic of Ghana, your brothers and sisters across the Atlantic Ocean. I also bring the goodwill of an entire continent that regards Jamaica not merely as another friendly nation, but as an indispensable member of our wider African family”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He described the occasion as carrying significance beyond typical diplomatic engagement, framing it instead as a reconnection rooted in shared heritage. “Gathering here today is much more than a diplomatic engagement. It is a reunion of history. It’s a celebration of our shared heritage. And a reaffirmation that although the Atlantic Ocean may separate our shores, it can never diminish the bonds that unite our people,” he said.
A Relationship Forged Through Shared Sacrifice
President Mahama emphasised that the bond between Ghana and Jamaica rests on a foundation deeper than formal diplomatic agreements, rooted instead in shared struggle and common values.
“The relationship between Ghana and Jamaica is unlike many others in the community of nations. It was not forged by treaties alone. It was forged through shared sacrifice, sustained by resilience, and strengthened by a common belief in freedom, justice, and human dignity”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He noted Ghana’s historical role in recognising Jamaica’s independence, having been among the first nations to do so in 1962, and connected the day’s dual significance as both Emancipation Day and Jamaica’s Independence Day anniversary.
Tracing Jamaica’s Story Back to African Civilisations
President Mahama traced the historical origins of Jamaica’s population back to the great civilisations of Africa, describing the painful journey that connected the two regions through the transatlantic slave trade.
“The story of Jamaica is in many respects the story of Africa. It began in the great civilisations of our continent: the empire of Ghana, Mali, Songhai, Great Zimbabwe, Boganda, Ashanti, Moshi, Benin, Ile-Ife, and many others.
“This is before millions of Africans were forcibly taken across the Atlantic, endured the horrors of the Middle Passage, survived the brutality of enslavement, but found hope in communities in the New World that refused to surrender their identity, their faith, or their humanity”.
President John Dramani Mahama
He highlighted the resilience of enslaved Africans and their descendants, connecting resistance movements across the diaspora to broader liberation efforts on the African continent.
“From the Maroon communities in Jamaica to the liberation movements that swept across Africa, the spirit of resistance of the African endured. And it ultimately gave birth to free nations that were determined to shape their own destinies,” he said.
Honouring Sacrifice and Confronting History
President Mahama called for collective recognition of those who endured enslavement and fought for freedom, framing their sacrifice as the foundation for the liberties enjoyed today. He stressed the importance of confronting historical truth honestly as a foundation for reconciliation and future progress.
“Their courage reminds us that freedom is never given on a silver platter. It is earned through sacrifice. It is sustained by vigilance and is strengthened by unity. As we honour our shared past, we must also confront it with honesty and courage.
“History cannot be changed, but it can be acknowledged. And only by acknowledging historical truth can we build a future that is founded on reconciliation, justice, and mutual respect”.
President John Dramani Mahama
Turning to the future, President Mahama framed the visit as more than a symbolic gesture, calling on both nations to translate shared history into concrete cooperation across democracy, economic development and justice.
“The ocean that once carried our ancestors into bondage must now provide an opportunity to reconnect their descendants in a common pursuit of justice, peace, and shared prosperity,” he said. He outlined specific responsibilities he believes the current generation must uphold in honour of those who came before.
“The sacrifices of those who came before us place a solemn responsibility upon our generation. It places a responsibility to strengthen our democracy. It places a responsibility to strengthen our accountability.
“We must build inclusive economies that create opportunities for all our people. We must champion justice and equality. And we must ensure that Africa and the Caribbean take their rightful place as equal partners in shaping a more peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive world,” he said.
President John Dramani Mahama
Invitation Extended for Ghana’s 70th Independence Celebration
President Mahama expressed hope that his visit would mark the beginning of a deeper partnership between the two nations, encouraging greater investment and institutional cooperation going forward.
“Let it deepen cooperation between our institutions. Let it strengthen the bonds between us. And let it demonstrate to the world that a shared history can become the foundation for shared prosperity,” he said.
He confirmed that Prime Minister Andrew Holness had already accepted an invitation to attend Ghana’s upcoming 70th Independence Anniversary celebrations as a special guest of honour.
President Mahama closed his address with a vision for what he hopes both nations can build together, rooted in justice, peace and innovation. “Let us honour our past by building a future worthy of the sacrifice of our ancestors. A future founded on justice. A future sustained by peace. A future driven by innovation. And a future in which Africa, the Caribbean, and the global African family stand together as architects of a more just, more equitable world,” he said.
He extended formal congratulations to Jamaica on behalf of Ghana, closing with well wishes for both nations. “May the friendship between Ghana and Jamaica continue to flourish. May Africa and the Caribbean continue to stand together in unity and common purpose. May God bless Jamaica. May God bless Ghana. And may God bless the enduring friendship between our two people,” he said.
Parliament Extends Appreciation to the President
Following President Mahama’s address, the Jamaican Parliament formally acknowledged the significance of his visit and the vision he shared for the future relationship between the two nations.
“It has been a distinct honour to welcome you here to the Parliament of Jamaica. We appreciate the insights that you have shared with us and your vision for the future of our two nations,” the response said.
President Mahama’s speech before the Jamaican Parliament stands as one of the defining moments of his four-day State Visit to Jamaica, weaving together historical reflection, cultural connection and forward-looking commitments to partnership.
By linking the origins of Jamaica’s population to specific African civilisations and connecting Emancipation Day directly to Ghana’s own historical narrative, the address reinforced the deep ancestral ties between the two nations while positioning the visit as a foundation for expanded cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean in the years ahead.
