Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama has announced plans to utilize his upcoming tenure as Chair of the African Union (AU) to foster a coalition between the AU, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This coalition aims to enhance trade and capitalize on the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By doing so, Mahama believes they can create the world's largest trading bloc, giving the Global South an equal seat at the global table.
President Mahama made these remarks during a bilateral meeting with Surinamese President Jennifer Geerlings-Simons on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, USA. The two countries signed a new cooperation agreement, marking a significant step towards closer collaboration. This agreement is expected to serve as a foundation for enhanced economic cooperation between Ghana and Suriname.
The President highlighted the historic Ghana-led UN resolution on reparatory justice, which was passed through a coalition spanning Africa, the Caribbean, South America, and the entire African diaspora. He noted that this resolution has provided a stronger platform for deeper economic cooperation among nations of the Global South. Mahama emphasized that countries of the South face similar structural challenges and are often considered less endowed nations.
President Mahama stressed that the only way for these nations to break free from their current status and have an equal seat at the global table is to work together. He acknowledged Suriname's efforts to bring CELAC and the African Union closer together and expressed his commitment to pursuing this agenda aggressively during his AU Chairmanship. Mahama envisions expanding the African Continental Free Trade Area to include CELAC, the Caribbean, and Africa, creating the world's largest trading bloc.
The President recalled the long-standing relationship between Ghana and Suriname, which dates back to the early years of independence. He expressed hope that the two countries could recapture that spirit of cooperation. Mahama mentioned that Ghana and Suriname already have diplomatic agreements for holders of diplomatic and service passports and looked forward to extending visa-free travel to ordinary citizens in the future.
President Mahama thanked Suriname for its support in passing the UN reparatory justice resolution and briefed his counterpart on the follow-up Accra Next Steps Conference. The conference adopted 19 major commitments and established three panels: the High-Level Panel, the Expert Panel, and the Panel on Restitution. He also invited President Geerlings-Simons to Ghana's 70th Independence anniversary celebrations on March 6, 2027.
The meeting between President Mahama and President Geerlings-Simons underscores the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral relations and collaborate on global issues. By working together, Ghana and Suriname aim to promote economic cooperation and advocate for a more equitable global order. President Mahama's vision for a united Africa, Caribbean, and Latin America has the potential to reshape global trade dynamics and promote South-South cooperation.
Key points
- President Mahama plans to use his AU Chairmanship to unite Africa, Caribbean, and Latin America for trade.
- The African Continental Free Trade Area could be expanded to include CELAC, the Caribbean, and Africa.
- Ghana and Suriname have signed a new cooperation agreement to enhance bilateral relations.
