The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto-Ablakwa, has arrived in Jamaica for a two-day official and solidarity visit aimed at strengthening bilateral relations and deepening cooperation between the two countries.

Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa was warmly received on arrival by his Jamaican counterpart, Senator the Honourable Kamina Johnson Smith, JP, and expressed appreciation to the Government of Jamaica for the hospitality extended to the Ghanaian delegation.

A key highlight of the visit is the Minister’s engagement with Ghanaian troops deployed to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, which resulted in loss of lives and extensive damage.

The troops, drawn from the 48 Engineer Regiment, have spent about six weeks in Jamaica supporting reconstruction efforts.

During his interaction with the soldiers, the Foreign Affairs Minister is expected to deliver a special message from Ghana’s Commander-in-Chief, President John Dramani Mahama, in recognition of their service and sacrifice.

As part of the visit, Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa will also hold bilateral talks with the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, focusing on strengthening diplomatic, economic and people-to-people ties.

The visit is further expected to finalise technical consultations towards the exportation of Ghanaian health workers and teachers to Jamaica later this year, as part of ongoing cooperation in education and healthcare.

Members of the Ghanaian delegation include the Deputy Minister for Defence, Mr. Ernest Brogya Genfi; Presidential Special Envoy to the Caribbean, H.E. Kwasi Kyei Darkwah; Chief of the Army Staff, Major General Lawrence K. S. Gbetanu, alongside senior military officials and directors from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, Education and Health.

Mr. Okudzeto-Ablakwa underscored the deep historical, ancestral and cultural ties between Ghana and Jamaica, describing the bond between the two nations as enduring and unbreakable.