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Prez Mahama to visit Jamaica to strengthen ties and advance reparations agenda
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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 Anti-Illegal Mining Operations Secretariat (NAIMOS) has arrested 19 suspected illegal miners at Mpohor Fiase in the Western Region following reports of galamsey activities near the community police station.
NAIMOS announced the arrests in a statement issued on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
According to JoyNews reporter Erastus Asare Donkor, illegal mining has become widespread in parts of the Mpohor Fiase District, with miners operating openly close to the police station.
Residents, farmers, and traditional leaders had called on the government to take urgent action to stop the activities.
NAIMOS stated that its task force had previously conducted reconnaissance in the area before carrying out a major operation on Wednesday, July 29, as part of efforts to curb illegal mining in the district.
The task force first targeted two major illegal mining sites and later moved to several smaller sites in the area.
During the operation, officers destroyed 16 chanfang machines, nine water pumps, and three temporary structures used by the miners. An excavator was also found at one of the sites, and its key components were removed to prevent further use.
NAIMOS further disclosed that officers recovered a pump-action shotgun and four rounds of ammunition from one of the suspects. The suspect was among the 19 people arrested.
The task force also found GH¢120,000 in cash in the possession of another suspect.
NAIMOS indicated that all the suspects and the seized items have been secured for investigations and possible prosecution.
The Secretariat stated that it would continue intelligence-led operations aimed at disrupting illegal mining activities and protecting the country’s land and natural resources.
It urged people involved in illegal mining to stop the practice and appealed to the public to provide credible information to support the fight against galamsey.
By: Jacob Aggrey
The Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, Dr. Dominic Ayine, has directed the filing of an appeal against the Court of Appeal’s decision to acquit former Chief Executive Officer of the Microfinance and Small Loans Centre (MASLOC), Ms. Sedina Attionu Tamakloe.
In a statement issued today, the Office of the Attorney-General said it had taken note of the Court of Appeal’s ruling which discharged Ms. Tamakloe of all charges brought against her.
Ms. Tamakloe was facing 78 counts including conspiracy to steal, stealing, conspiracy to cause financial loss to the State, causing financial loss to the State, causing loss to public property, improper payment of public funds, unauthorized commitments resulting in financial obligations to the Government, money laundering, and breaches of the Public Procurement Act.
She was tried and convicted in absentia by the High Court, Financial Division 2, presided over by Her Ladyship Justice Afia Serwaa Asare-Botwe, JA, sitting as an additional High Court Judge. She was subsequently sentenced to 10 years imprisonment.
The Republic opposed the appeal at the Court of Appeal through written submissions, arguing that the appeal lacked merit and should be dismissed.
Following the Court of Appeal’s decision, the Attorney-General has instructed the Director of Public Prosecutions to immediately file a notice of appeal at the Supreme Court.
The AG has also directed that an application for a stay of execution of the Court of Appeal judgment be filed pending the determination of the appeal.
“The Attorney-General remains committed to the due process of law and is confident that the appeal before the Supreme Court will succeed,” the statement said.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
