Ghana and St Kitts and Nevis have significantly expanded their bilateral relations, marked by the signing of a pivotal visa exemption agreement and a Bilateral Labour Agreement during the state visit of Prime Minister Dr Terrance Michael Drew to Ghana. The agreements were officially signed at the Jubilee House in Accra on Wednesday, March 4, by President John Dramani Mahama and Prime Minister Drew, who was on a four-day visit to the West African nation.

The newly enacted visa exemption agreement extends beyond the previous 2018 arrangement, which was limited to holders of diplomatic and service passports. This updated agreement now covers holders of ordinary passports from both countries, a move President Mahama described as a “practical and transformative step.” He emphasized that this extension is set to deepen ties by significantly facilitating tourism, trade, business exchanges, and strengthening crucial people-to-people connections. The decision, according to President Mahama, reflects a growing mutual trust and cooperation, signaling a shared commitment to expanding economic and social relations between Ghana and the twin-island Caribbean nation.

Complementing the visa agreement, a Bilateral Labour Agreement was also signed, specifically designed to formalize the recruitment of Ghanaian medical professionals to St Kitts and Nevis. This initiative aims to address workforce needs in the Caribbean state. Furthermore, President Mahama disclosed ongoing discussions for broader structured labour mobility arrangements, with Ghana expressing readiness to support St Kitts and Nevis with skilled professionals, including nurses, teachers, and other technical experts, under mutually beneficial frameworks.

Beyond mobility and labour, both nations have identified several key sectors for deeper collaboration. These include tourism development, climate-resilient agriculture, renewable energy, blue economy initiatives, heritage promotion, and cultural industries. These collaborations signify a concerted effort to leverage South-South cooperation for driving development and fostering shared prosperity.

During his visit, Prime Minister Drew, who also serves as the Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), participated in a ceremonial