Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa proposes AU-CARICOM trade partnership at CHOGM

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has formally proposed a strategic trade and investment partnership between the African Union (AU) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Speaking at the Commonwealth Business Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda, the Minister emphasized that the initiative aims to leverage historical and cultural bonds to create robust market opportunities and reduce trade barriers between the two regions. The proposal seeks to address the current low levels of intra-African trade, which Ablakwa noted remains below 10 percent, by enhancing trade capacity through practical economic cooperation. Beyond trade, Minister Ablakwa urged the Commonwealth to advocate for a total reform of the global financial architecture. He highlighted the systemic injustices faced by the Global South, noting that African nations often borrow at significantly higher rates than countries in the Global North. This disparity, exacerbated by unfavorable sovereign credit ratings and high risk premiums, continues to hinder development and fuel debt crises across the continent. Ghana has signaled its strong support for the Bridgetown Initiative, led by Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, as a framework for addressing these global financial imbalances. President John Mahama, also attending the summit in St. John’s, met with Ghanaian healthcare professionals and other diaspora members working in Antigua and Barbuda. The President praised the Ghanaian nurses for their exemplary service, describing them as excellent ambassadors whose conduct has opened doors for more Ghanaians in the Caribbean. President Mahama noted that Antigua's Prime Minister Gaston Browne had expressed high regard for the professionals' contributions to the local healthcare system. To encourage these professionals to maintain ties with home, the President highlighted a new housing program designed to facilitate investments by Ghanaians living abroad. The diplomatic mission also focused on expanding labor mobility agreements. Minister Ablakwa confirmed that negotiations are ongoing to establish frameworks that would allow more trained Ghanaian professionals to serve in the Caribbean. This effort is part of a broader strategy to utilize Ghana’s human capital while strengthening ties with Caribbean nations. As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reviews the necessary legal frameworks for the AU-CARICOM partnership, the government remains committed to ensuring that these international engagements translate into direct economic benefits for Ghanaian citizens at home and abroad.