Ghana, Jamaica Scrap Visa Requirements | Social

Ghana and Jamaica have both waived the entry visa requirement for citizens of both countries wishing to travel to and from these two countries as of 1 July 2019.

This was revealed at a joint press conference by Ghana's President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness following bilateral talks held in Kingston. (Jamaica), Saturday, June 15, 2019, as part of President Akufo-Addo's two-day official visit to Ghana.

Highlighting the importance of relations between Ghana and Jamaica, Akufo-Addo said the two countries have an excellent opportunity to strengthen their strong ties imposed by culture and history in order to make the most of economic value for their respective populations.

"We can not have visas obstructing these relationships, so my government has decided that while Ghanaians would benefit from a visa-free regime here in Jamaica, we will also put in place visa-free arrangements for Jamaicans in Ghana. to facilitate and make it easier for you to join us for "the year of return," added President Akufo-Addo.

With both leaders committed to reactivating the Ghana-Jamaica Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation, which had been dormant for some time, the President explained that its structure would serve as a legal framework for the conduct of business between the two leaders. country. .

"It is now time to give weight to these relationships by ensuring that the different areas of engagement in the areas of education, tourism and culture are specifically related. It's really my goal to come here, aside from an awareness mission to Jamaica about an event we're commemorating this year, "he added.

Return year

Describing the transatlantic slave trade as a "horrific episode in human history," President Akufo-Addo explained that Ghana was keen to commemorate this event, mainly because a large number of slaves pbaded by strong slaves located in Ghana.

"We want to commemorate it so that we can say together that Africa and its people will never again be able to be subjugated by this kind of dehumanizing and inhumane events. Never again! He added.

The President continued: "At the same time, we want to use this year's symbolism to take concrete steps to strengthen the relationships of our relatives and friends in the Americas and the Caribbean. The relationships we establish here in Jamaica will be part of the process of building relationships between those of us on the African continent and those of you in the diaspora, outside of Africa. "

President Akufo-Addo said his visit to the Caribbean was "to strengthen overseas relations and build the bridge we need to build on the Atlantic so we can find ways to strengthen each other and strengthen our capabilities. " our economies, to play an increasingly critical role in the new global architecture being developed. We will have intimate relationships. "