<h1><br></h1><p> Addressing a special sitting of the Jamaican Parliament during his official state visit, President Mahama said that while political independence had been achieved by many African and Caribbean nations, genuine freedom would only be realised through stronger economic cooperation, expanded trade, and shared prosperity. </p><p> "We have won political freedom, but the next frontier is economic emancipation," President Mahama said, urging African and Caribbean leaders to strengthen partnerships capable of transforming the lives of their citizens. </p><p> The Ghanaian leader announced that he would advocate for mechanisms that would allow Caribbean nations to benefit from the opportunities presented by the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the world's largest free trade area by participating countries. He argued that deeper commercial engagement between Africa and the Caribbean would unlock investment, boost trade, create jobs, and strengthen historical ties rooted in shared ancestry. </p><p> President Mahama's commitment forms part of a broader agenda to deepen Ghana's relationship with Jamaica and the wider Caribbean Community (CARICOM). His four-day visit includes bilateral talks, trade and investment discussions, cultural engagements, and participation in Jamaica's 64th Independence Anniversary celebrations. </p><p> The President also emphasised that Africa and the Caribbean must move beyond symbolic historical connections to build practical economic partnerships that foster industrialisation, innovation, and sustainable development. According to him, enhanced market access under the AfCFTA framework could provide Caribbean businesses with greater opportunities to engage African markets while encouraging reciprocal investment. </p><p> AfCFTA, headquartered in Accra, seeks to create a single continental market for goods and services, promote the free movement of business, and strengthen Africa's position in global trade. Although Caribbean states are not members of the agreement, discussions on closer economic cooperation between Africa and CARICOM have gained momentum in recent years. </p><p> President Mahama's remarks reinforce Ghana's commitment to expanding South–South cooperation and positioning Africa and the Caribbean as strategic economic partners in an increasingly interconnected global economy.</p><p>Photo credit: President Mahama</p>