Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Caribbean Region, His Excellency King Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, has asserted that President John Dramani Mahama’s level of competence, wisdom, dedication, and visionary traits set him far apart from former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, whose primary interest was using state resources to fulfil a personal pledge to build a cathedral.
He noted that while the statesman President possesses the capability to transform Ghana and connect the continent to the rest of the world through trade and industry, the nation previously endured a leader who governed with a personal agenda rather than a transformative mission.
Describing himself as a steadfast nationalist, Mr Darkwah clarified that he does not view himself as a partisan politician aligned with either the National Democratic Congress (NDC) or the New Patriotic Party (NPP).
He emphasised that he remains prepared to criticise the ruling government whenever they err. However, he maintained that the current President has distinguished himself remarkably by demonstrating the resolve and strategic foresight required to push for Caribbean inclusion in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) upon assuming the chairmanship of the African Union (AU).
The Special Envoy made these comments while responding to President Mahama’s plans to advocate for the expansion of the AfCFTA to encompass Caribbean nations, an initiative announced during a joint press conference with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston, Jamaica.
He reiterated that expanding the trade bloc would fortify economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean, unlocking lucrative opportunities for commercial enterprises across both sides of the Atlantic.
KKD, as he is affectionately known, argued that scaling up trade volumes between the two regions requires deliberate action, particularly in infrastructure development, logistics enhancement, and expanded market access.
Speaking on Nyankonton Mu Nsem on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM, he stated that such a bold pledge could only originate from a wise, competent, diligent, humble, and visionary leader solely focused on development.
“I am not a politician but a nationalist. I don’t belong to either the NPP or NDC. I will criticise the NDC if they err, the same as the NPP. The President remains committed and will support the current leadership of the AU and also execute his plan when he takes over. It proves his humility and recognition that there exists a leadership executing an agenda he must support. He is different from the one who, when he took over, demolished judges’ residences, other buildings, water and electricity systems just to fulfil a promise he made to construct a cathedral. That is the difference between the two leaders,” he said.
He further observed that integrating the Caribbean into the trade framework would significantly swell the consumer base, connecting African producers directly to Caribbean buyers and vice versa.
Highlighting the structural benefits of the proposal, Mr Darkwah explained that the move would drive substantial improvements in regional logistics, transport systems, and shipping links as service providers expand their operations across the Atlantic.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
