Ghana, St. Kitts and Nevis expand ties with visa and labour deals

Ghana and St. Kitts and Nevis have taken significant steps to deepen their bilateral relationship through the signing of several key agreements and the expansion of visa privileges.

During official talks at the Presidency in Accra on Wednesday March 4, President John Dramani Mahama and the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Michael Drew, reaffirmed their commitment to closer collaboration across multiple sectors.

The two countries signed a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a political consultation mechanism, a bilateral labour agreement to facilitate the recruitment of Ghanaian medical professionals, and an agreement extending visa exemptions to holders of ordinary passports. Previously, visa waivers only applied to diplomatic and service passport holders.

President Mahama welcomed the developments, stating that Ghana is ready to support St. Kitts and Nevis with skilled professionals, including nurses, teachers, and other technical experts, under mutually beneficial frameworks. He also highlighted plans to expand cooperation in tourism, climate resilience, renewable energy, the blue economy, heritage tourism, and cultural industries.

“Improved air connectivity between Africa and the Caribbean is essential, but we cannot delay progress waiting for every structural constraint to be resolved,” President Mahama said.

He added: “Platforms such as the African Caribbean Trade and Investment Forum and the African Continental Free Trade Area offer immediate pathways to expand trade and investment partnerships. Our ambition is clear: to position Ghana and St. Kitts and Nevis as model partners in South-South cooperation.”

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Drew earlier noted that President Mahama’s 2025 speech at the United Nations General Assembly inspired his visit and decision to engage more directly with Ghana. He described the connection between the two countries as one rooted in shared ancestry and historical ties across the Atlantic.

“As I arrived in Ghana, I could not tell the difference whether I was at home or in a foreign country,” Dr. Drew said. “We come not only as partners in diplomacy but as family. St. Kitts and Nevis and Ghana share more than diplomatic ties.”