KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica will welcome President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, and South Africa’s Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Alvin Botes, as special guests during this year’s Emancipation and Independence celebrations.

President Mahama will make an official visit to Jamaica from August 2 to 5, 2026, while Deputy Minister Botes will visit from August 4 to 7, 2026, representing South African President Cyril Ramaphosa at the country’s Independence celebrations.

In a press release issued on Wednesday, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) said Mahama’s visit builds on a series of high-level engagements that have strengthened ties between Jamaica and Ghana. The two countries have expanded cooperation in health, defence, trade and investment, education, culture, tourism, air services and technical exchange.

According to the OPM, the visit is expected to advance the implementation of existing agreements, deepen political dialogue and identify new opportunities for collaboration.

During his stay, President Mahama will pay a courtesy call on the governor general, hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Andrew Holness and other senior government officials, participate in a joint sitting of the Houses of Parliament, meet with members of the private sector and visit Seville Heritage Park.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister Botes’ visit follows discussions between Prime Minister Holness and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa on the margins of the G20 Summit in Johannesburg last November, where Holness extended an invitation for the South African leader to attend Jamaica’s national celebrations.

The OPM said Botes’ visit will provide an opportunity for both countries to review existing bilateral cooperation and explore new areas of partnership.

“It builds on a longstanding relationship spanning more than three decades and follows the resumption of the Jamaica-South Africa political consultations, which continue to provide an important mechanism for advancing structured dialogue and cooperation between the two countries. In addition to meeting with government officials, the deputy minister will meet with the private sector and participate in cultural activities,” the OPM said.

In addition to meetings with government officials, Deputy Minister Botes is also expected to engage with members of the private sector and participate in cultural activities during his visit.