The President of the Universal Negro Improvement Association (UNIA) and African Communities League (ACL), Jamaica Division, Steven Golding, is urging Jamaica and Ghana to establish direct air links as part of a broader effort to strengthen trade, tourism, education and cultural ties between the two nations.
Speaking during Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama’s visit to Seville Heritage Park in St. Ann, Golding said the longstanding historical relationship between Jamaica and Ghana should now be translated into practical initiatives that benefit citizens on both sides of the Atlantic. He argued that direct flights would make it easier to expand commerce, tourism and people-to-people exchanges.
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Golding also called for stronger educational partnerships, including student and institutional exchange programmes, saying such initiatives would help deepen understanding of the shared history and cultural connections between the two countries. He further encouraged greater trade and investment, pointing to opportunities in agriculture, manufacturing and food production.
Using ackee as an example, Golding noted that although the fruit originated in Ghana before being introduced to Jamaica, it is not widely consumed there. He suggested that establishing ackee-processing facilities in Ghana could create new export opportunities to serve the Jamaican and wider Caribbean diaspora.
The proposal comes as both governments move to deepen bilateral cooperation. During President Mahama’s state visit, he and Prime Minister Andrew Holness agreed to accelerate a Bilateral Air Services Agreement, which would pave the way for direct flights between Accra and Montego Bay once the agreement is finalized. The two leaders also discussed expanding cooperation in trade, healthcare, education, defence and maritime transport.
President Mahama said improved transportation links are essential to unlocking economic opportunities between West Africa and the Caribbean, describing the Atlantic Ocean as “a bridge” rather than a barrier. He also highlighted Ghana’s role as a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which offers access to a market of more than 1.4 billion people.
Golding said direct air service would not only strengthen business and tourism but also reinforce the historic bonds established through the legacy of Marcus Garvey and the shared African heritage of both nations. He believes easier travel would encourage greater collaboration across education, culture and commerce while bringing the people of Ghana and Jamaica closer together.
The call for direct flights reflects growing momentum to expand relations between Jamaica and Ghana as both countries pursue deeper economic integration, cultural exchange and stronger transatlantic partnerships.
