Ghana's foreign minister due in Jamaica Saturday for official visit; health and education on agenda

Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Ghana Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is scheduled to arrive in Jamaica on Saturday for a three-day official visit, the Jamaican foreign ministry says.

During the trip, Minister Ablakwa will meet with Jamaica's Foreign Minister Senator Kamina Johnson Smith and participate in discussions aimed at strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.

Johnson Smith said discussions will focus on expanding engagement in trade, investment, health, education, tourism, and technical exchange.

The visit, scheduled for January 24 to 26, comes as Jamaica and Ghana mark more than 50 years of diplomatic relations.

“We look forward to warmly welcoming Minister Ablakwa this weekend,” Johnson Smith said in a ministry statement issued on Friday. “The visit is not only a great opportunity for him to visit with the 54 Ghana Defence Force members who are here providing excellent recovery and rebuilding support, but also an opportunity for us to advance our bilateral cooperation, bringing modern elements to our deep historical ties.”

The foreign minister will be joined in the engagements by ministers of health, education and culture, along with their respective teams.

Ablakwa is also expected to pay a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness and visit Ghanaian engineers and medical personnel.

The team of 49 army engineers and five medical doctors been deployed in Jamaica since December 18, 2025, to support recovery and rebuilding efforts following the passage of Hurricane Melissa.

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