Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa secures new diplomatic pacts with Caribbean nations

Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced a series of new trade and diplomatic initiatives following high-level bilateral meetings at the 28th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Antigua and Barbuda. These agreements are designed to deepen ties between Ghana and the Caribbean, focusing on ease of travel, healthcare cooperation, and industrial investment. A key outcome includes a visa waiver arrangement with Antigua and Barbuda, which aims to facilitate smoother movement for citizens and business professionals between the two countries. The Minister also revealed that Antigua and Barbuda has requested a further deployment of Ghanaian nurses following the success of earlier professional exchanges.

In addition to the agreements with Antigua, Minister Ablakwa secured a maritime cooperation pact with Jamaica and held extensive discussions with Trinidad and Tobago regarding energy investment. Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago explored expanded partnerships in the oil and gas sector, with plans to establish a new Ghanaian High Commission in Port of Spain to be led by William Anani Abotsi. The two nations also discussed a joint mechanism for reparatory justice, potentially co-chaired by the African Union and CARICOM. This initiative seeks a structured platform to address historical injustices and pursue development-oriented reparations, such as improvements in healthcare and education.

On the broader international stage, Mr. Ablakwa engaged with representatives from Australia and Canada to advocate for African interests. During talks with Australian officials, he pushed for reforms to the United Nations Security Council, specifically calling for permanent African representation. In a meeting with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, President John Dramani Mahama and the Canadian leader explored expanded cooperation in energy, trade, and critical minerals. Throughout these sessions, the Ghanaian delegation emphasized the need for a total reform of the global financial architecture to address the high borrowing costs that disproportionately affect developing nations in the Global South.

These diplomatic efforts align with Ghana’s upcoming leadership role as chair of the African Union next year. Minister Ablakwa noted that Ghana is committed to building equitable partnerships that avoid exploitation and instead focus on local resource processing and job creation for Africa’s youth. The Minister also used the summit to advocate for a united coalition on the Fossil Fuel Treaty, urging a balance between economic development for energy-rich nations and the urgent global requirement for climate justice and environmental responsibility.