Grenada’s Prime Minister Traces Akan Roots as Ghana, Grenada Deepen Ties
Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell reveals his Akan ancestry during talks with President John Mahama at Jubilee House in Accra.
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Prime Minister Mitchell said his two-day visit to Ghana felt like a symbolic homecoming, describing the moment as emotionally profound and culturally significant.
“In July, at the Afrikan Bank Conference, I revealed my DNA ancestry tracing on my maternal side, and it was traced to the Akan people of Ghana,” he said.
The Grenadian leader added that about 75% of Grenada’s population can trace its roots to Ghana, emphasizing shared history as a foundation for stronger unity.
“I’m told 75% of the population of Grenada can trace its ancestry to Ghana. So, for us, this visit feels like a natural alignment of the stars,” he remarked.
Prime Minister Mitchell called for a renewed effort to reconnect politically, socially, culturally, and economically with Africa, stressing that both regions must leverage their shared heritage to advance mutual prosperity.
“We must reconnect deliberately with our roots and ensure our trade benefits citizens and promotes sustainable growth,” he said.
President John Dramani Mahama welcomed Prime Minister Mitchell’s visit, noting that it reinforces Ghana’s longstanding relationship with Caribbean nations.
“I’m happy that your visit allows us to continue with the rapprochement we’ve been engaged in, especially with the MOUs we have signed,” Mahama said.
He highlighted recent Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) between both nations covering political consultation, trade, education, and visa waivers.
President Mahama also cited Ghana’s role as host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, describing it as a vital platform for deeper trade collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean.
“AfCFTA allows us to export duty-free and tariff-free into each other’s markets. It’s a $3 trillion opportunity that both regions must seize,” Mahama said.
He urged African and Caribbean businesses to invest jointly, tapping into the continent’s 1.3 billion population market to boost growth and development.
The visit symbolizes a reconnection between Africa and the Caribbean, underpinned by shared ancestry, cultural identity, and economic potential. It also marks Ghana’s growing leadership role in advancing Pan-African diplomacy and south-south cooperation.
