Ghana’s Special Envoy to the Caribbean Region, Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, has described President John Dramani Mahama as not merely a humble leader, but a competent, wise, and visionary statesman capable of transforming Ghana and connecting the continent to the rest of the world through trade and industry.
According to the Special Envoy, President Mahama has demonstrated the resolve and strategic foresight needed to push for Caribbean inclusion in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) when he assumes the chairmanship of the African Union (AU).
President Mahama announced plans to advocate for the expansion of AfCFTA to include Caribbean nations during a joint press conference with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness in Kingston, Jamaica.
He stressed that expanding the trade bloc would fortify economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean while unlocking lucrative opportunities for businesses across both sides of the Atlantic. He noted that scaling up trade volumes between the two regions would require deliberate actions, including infrastructure development, logistics enhancement, and expanded market access.
Commenting on the initiative during an interview on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s flagship news programme Nyankonton Mu Nsem, His Excellency Kwasi Kyei Darkwah stated that the pledge is not a mere political promise, but a masterplan backed by a clear strategy that will dramatically expand continental trade.
He noted that AfCFTA already provides a robust framework for nations to harmonise standards, certify products, and link producers directly to buyers across participating markets.
Highlighting the historic ties between Ghana and Jamaica, Mr Darkwah affirmed that President Mahama’s visit renews efforts to promote cross-border investments, ensuring Jamaican investors gain seamless access to Africa’s 1.4-billion-person market.
Describing President Mahama as an exceptional leader with a practical roadmap, Mr Darkwah stated:
“We have often tagged the President as a humble leader, but his traits go beyond humility. He is a wise, competent, and visionary leader. Making such a bold commitment requires a leader who possesses wisdom, competence, and a clear execution plan. Through this plan, we will expand trade. Integrating the Caribbean Region into AfCFTA will provide a larger market, deeper mutual understanding, and harmony in our trade standards. Expanding the trade bloc to incorporate the Caribbean would strengthen economic ties between Africa and the Caribbean and create new opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.”
He further observed that integrating the Caribbean into the trade umbrella 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 improvements in regional logistics, transport systems, and shipping links as logistics providers expand their operations.
“This will certainly promote self-reliant economic cooperation, paving the way for us to support each other in adding value to what we produce. However, this will require a solid legal framework, which technocrats will work on under the visionary leadership of President John Dramani Mahama. Just as Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah declared that the independence of Ghana is meaningless unless it is linked up with the total liberation of the African continent, President Mahama has also demonstrated that the prosperity of Africa is meaningless without the prosperity of the Caribbean.”
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
