Ministerial Session of the Third Ghana-Jamaica Permanent Joint Commission

In his welcome remarks, Honourable Ablakwa described the session as renewal of historic bonds rooted in shared heritage, Pan-African solidarity and enduring people-to-people relations. He said that the PJCC provides a practical framework to translate the ties between the two countries into tangible benefits in areas including trade and investment, agriculture, education, health, defence and security, tourism and creative arts. He also stated the need to strengthen private sector linkages and expand opportunities for youth employment and skills development. He informed of Ghana’s commitment to deepening collaboration in areas such as health, cultural diplomacy and diaspora engagement. He recalled the historical ties between both countries based on shared ancestry and noted with appreciation Jamaica’s support for United Nations resolution A/RES/80/250.

In her response, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith noted that the reconvening of the PJCC after approximately two decades after the second session was held in Kingston represents renewed commitment to advancing cooperation based on shared values, philosophy and cultural heritage. She emphasised that Ghana and Jamaica enjoy strong bonds that predate formal diplomatic relations established in 1958 and expressed gratitude to the Government of Ghana for the support extended to Jamaica in its reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by hurricane Melissa.

She reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to expanding cooperation under the PJCC framework particularly in education, air services, healthcare, defence and arts and culture and announced Jamaica’s readiness to offer scholarships to Ghanaian athletes and coaches. She then disclosed that as part of efforts to strengthen collaboration between the private sectors of both countries, Jamaica would be embarking on a trade mission to Ghana in the near future. She thanked the Government of Ghana for its readiness to deploy Ghanaian health professionals to support Jamaica’s healthcare system.

The Ministerial Session concluded with the signing of the following:

i. Agreed Minutes;

ii. Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Government of Jamaica on Defence Cooperation;

iii. Exchange of Notes on the Amendment of the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Government of Jamaica on Cooperation in the Field of Arts and Culture;

iv. Bilateral Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Ghana and the Government of Jamaica on the Recruitment of Ghanaian Health Professionals for Jamaica;

v. Signing of Joint Communique.

Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to sustained engagement and effective implementation of agreements.