Ghana and the Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis have taken a major step toward strengthening diplomatic and economic relations following the expansion of their 2018 visa waiver agreement to include holders of ordinary passports.
President John Dramani Mahama announced the development during a state luncheon held in honor of visiting Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Michael Drew, describing the move as a historic milestone in South-South cooperation.
Speaking at the event, President Mahama emphasized Ghana’s commitment to deepening partnership across the Atlantic. He stated, “Ghana stands ready to collaborate on areas of mutual benefit, sharing experiences and technical cooperation that support your national development agenda.”
He further described the expanded visa waiver arrangement as a practical step that would strengthen economic and social ties between the two nations. According to him, the new agreement will promote tourism, trade, and business exchanges while deepening people-to-people connections.
“This practical and transformative decision will significantly facilitate tourism, trade, business exchanges and people-to-people connections between our nations,” President Mahama noted.
The extension of the visa waiver agreement marks a shift from its previous limitation to diplomatic and service passport holders. The new arrangement now allows ordinary passport holders from both countries to travel visa-free, a development expected to boost mobility and commercial collaboration.
President Mahama also highlighted Ghana’s readiness to support Saint Kitts and Nevis in human resource development through structured labour mobility programmes. He explained that Ghana could provide skilled professionals in key sectors where needed.
“Ghana is prepared, where appropriate, to support Saint Kitts and Nevis with skilled professionals, including nurses, teachers and other technical experts, while ensuring mutually beneficial frameworks between our countries,” he added.
The Ghanaian leader described the visit of Prime Minister Drew as more than a diplomatic engagement, calling it a symbolic reconnection rooted in shared history and heritage.
“Your presence in Ghana is not merely an official visit; it is a homecoming,” President Mahama remarked, referencing the historical ties between Africa and the Caribbean shaped by the transatlantic slave trade.
The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in health, education, trade, tourism, and investment as part of broader efforts to strengthen Africa-Caribbean relations.
