President John Dramani Mahama will embark on a four-day official visit to Jamaica from August 2 to August 5, 2026, to strengthen relations between the two countries and promote the global campaign for reparations over the transatlantic slave trade.

According to a statement issued on Thursday by the Presidency Communications Office and signed by the Minister for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesperson, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the visit is intended to deepen the long-standing historical and diplomatic ties between Ghana and Jamaica while expanding cooperation with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The Presidency said the visit follows Ghana’s recent support to Jamaica after a major natural disaster and reflects the country’s continued commitment to its Caribbean partners and the African diaspora.

As part of the visit, President Mahama will participate in a high-level Reparations Dialogue at the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona Campus, with the Vice Chancellor of the university and Chairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission, Sir Hilary Beckles.

According to the statement, the dialogue is aimed at advancing calls for reparations for the transatlantic slave trade and its lasting effects, building on efforts by the African Union and CARICOM.

The President will also pay tribute to Jamaica’s Pan-African heritage by laying a wreath at the shrine of National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey at the National Heroes Park. He is also expected to visit the Ghanaian Village Houses at Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann to recognise the shared ancestral links between Ghana and Jamaica.

During the visit, President Mahama will hold bilateral talks with Jamaica’s Prime Minister on trade, culture and South-South cooperation.

He is also scheduled to address a joint sitting of Jamaica’s Parliament, where he will outline his vision for stronger cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean.

The itinerary further includes a Trade and Investment Dialogue, a tour of the Kingston Freeport hosted by the Port Authority of Jamaica, a courtesy call by the Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding, and attendance at the “Mello-Go-Roun” cultural event as Jamaica marks its 64th Independence Anniversary.

The statement added that Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen will host a state dinner in honour of President Mahama at King’s House.

According to the Presidency, the visit is expected to strengthen Ghana-Jamaica relations, position Ghana as a gateway for CARICOM’s engagement with Africa, and promote cooperation on reparations, economic development and South-South partnerships.

By: Jacob Aggrey

The National Identification Authority (NIA) will on Saturday, August 1, 2026, open its first NIA Prestige Centre at Labone in Accra.

The Centre is a premium, fee-based facility designed to provide faster, more convenient and flexible access to Ghana Card registration and related services.

In a statement, the Authority said the Labone Prestige Centre will operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and public holidays.

“This will enable members of the public to access NIA services at any time that is convenient for them,” the NIA stated.

All services at the Prestige Centre will attract approved fees. The NIA said the facility is meant to complement existing registration centres by offering an additional option for applicants who require greater convenience and quicker turnaround.

The Authority noted that the Labone Centre is the first of several Prestige Centres planned nationwide. Additional locations will be announced as they become operational.

“The NIA remains committed to making identity services more accessible, efficient and secure, while delivering a customer-centred experience for all eligible applicants,” the statement added.

By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme