Two high-level envoys from Ghana joined Caribbean Heads of Government at the 50th Regular Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), reinforcing historic and political connections between Africa and the Caribbean diaspora.

The Ghanaian delegation, comprising H.E. Dr. Ekwow Spio-Garbrah, Presidential Special Envoy for Reparations, and H.E. King Kwasi Kyei Darkwah, Presidential Special Envoy for the Caribbean Region, attended the summit in Basseterre from 24–27 February 2026.

Themed “Beyond Words: Action Today for a Thriving, Sustainable CARICOM”, the summit brought together Prime Ministers, diplomats, special guests, and media representatives.

Delivering the keynote address, Prime Minister Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis, Chair of CARICOM, urged member states to move from dialogue to decisive action, focusing on regional unity and resilience.

Outgoing Chair Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica emphasised collaboration while respecting national sovereignty.

Discussions during the four-day summit covered the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), climate change resilience, sustainable financing, food and nutrition security, regional security, transport infrastructure, and the strengthening of foreign and community relations.

Ghana’s mission focused on reparations, cultural ties, and investment opportunities.

The envoys highlighted the historical and contemporary links between Africa and the Caribbean and underscored the continent’s commitment to development and justice.

During media engagements, including an interview on Freedom FM 106.5, H.E. Kyei Darkwah spoke on the centuries-long exploitation of Africans and the need for Africa to add value to its resources locally to benefit its citizens.

Dr. Spio-Garbrah stressed that Africa can achieve significant progress through organised, strategic governance, citing China’s development as a model.

The envoys also discussed Ghana’s commitment to reparations, with Dr. Spio-Garbrah confirming that President John Dramani Mahama, empowered by the African Union, will present the transatlantic slave trade as a grave crime against humanity at the United Nations on 25 March 2026.

Both envoys praised CARICOM’s Ten-Point Action Plan on reparatory justice, emphasising the need for a unified vision and determination to pursue reparations.

The summit concluded with a dedicated reparations forum at the Royal St. Kitts Hotel, featuring speakers including Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, H.E. David Comissiong, Saint Lucia’s Envoy for Reparations Mr. Earl Bousquet, and St. Kitts & Nevis Director for Reparatory Justice Carla Astaphan.
H.E. Kyei Darkwah highlighted the importance of truthfully documenting the physical, psychological, cultural, and economic harm caused by the slave trade.

Dr. Spio-Garbrah detailed the mandate of Ghana’s newly established Office of Global Reparations, outlining strategies for meaningful redress and strengthened Africa-Caribbean cooperation.

The engagements marked a significant step in translating historical dialogue into concrete actions, strengthening the partnership between Africa and the Caribbean, and advancing the global reparations agenda.