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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
Parliament has clarified public commentary on social media regarding a notice on its notice board that read “No Vacancy for National Service Personnel 2026/2027. Kindly go for reposting.”
In a statement, signed by the Director of Media Relations, David Sebastian Damoah, Parliament said the notice has been misconstrued and was not a policy statement, a freeze on national service placements, or a change in its support for the National Service Scheme.
According to Parliament, the notice was a routine administrative message to prospective personnel who reported to the House, informing them that it has received more personnel than it can accommodate for the 2026/2027 service year and that they should seek reposting to other institutions.
It said it remains committed to the National Service Scheme and values the contribution of service personnel to its work, and regrets any confusion or inconvenience the wording may have caused.
By Edem Mensah-Tsotorme
Ghanaian public advocate Hopeson Yaovi Adorye has been elected to the Board of Directors of the World Taxpayers Association (WTA).
The election took place on Sunday, October 5, 2026, during the Association’s conference in Kraków, Poland.
His election marks a significant addition to his international leadership portfolio and provides a platform for Ghanaian and African perspectives to contribute to global discussions on taxpayer rights, responsible taxation, transparency and prudent management of public resources.
Reacting to his election, Mr. Adorye expressed appreciation to the leadership and members of the WTA for the confidence reposed in him.
“I am deeply honoured by this confidence and conscious of the responsibility that comes with it. Taxpayers are at the heart of every economy, and they deserve fairness, transparency, accountability and value for the taxes they pay. I look forward to working with colleagues from across the world to strengthen the voice of taxpayers and promote responsible fiscal governance,” he said.
According to him, taxation should not be viewed solely as a mechanism for raising government revenue, but also as an important component of the social contract between citizens and the state.
Mr. Adorye said governments have a responsibility to ensure taxes are collected fairly and public resources are utilised efficiently to deliver quality infrastructure, healthcare, education, security and other essential services.
His election also creates an opportunity to bring African experiences into international conversations on taxation and public expenditure.
Mr. Adorye, who is Executive Director of Taxpayers League Ghana, has previously served as Global Board Chairman of the International Youth Network for UN Security Council Resolution 2250, an NGO associated with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
He is expected to use his new role to champion fiscal accountability, taxpayer education, good governance and stronger citizen participation in public financial management.
