The Ministers of Foreign Affairs of Ghana and Antigua and Barbuda met on the margins of the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) highlighted the themes of Ghana’s national statement, addressing global challenges such as anti-immigration sentiments, high interest rates, racism, and the urgent need for reparations. He emphasized that Ghana’s President intends to sponsor a motion for reparations to be placed on the same footing as genocide and xenophobia.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Immigration, Honourable E.P. Chet Greene commended Ghana’s intervention, describing it as timely and aligned with the themes of the General Debate. He added that Ghana’s strong message underscored the need for Africa and the Caribbean to work more closely together, pointing out that what has been missing over the years is deeper and sustained collaboration.
Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa welcomed the growing engagement of Caribbean States, citing recent exchanges with Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada. He further underscored the need to establish a direct travel link between the two countries, pointing to the challenges created by transit visa requirements through third countries, which had disrupted cultural exchanges.
Honourable Greene agreed on the importance of strengthening Africa – Caribbean relations, describing them as family ties rooted in history and culture. He emphasized the need to explore direct travel and alternative routes to facilitate exchanges free from obstacles. The meeting concluded on a positive note with the signing of a Visa Waiver Agreement covering ordinary, service, and diplomatic passports, marking a concrete step toward facilitating mobility and deepening bilateral ties.