The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has urged for greater trade and collaboration between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago as a means to advance their economies through South-South cooperation.
During a meeting with the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Keith Rowley, the 16th occupant of the Golden Stool stressed the importance of leveraging available resources for progressive development rather than dwelling on past challenges.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, who was visiting Trinidad and Tobago as the Guest of Honour for the Emancipation Anniversary, emphasized that Africans and the African Diaspora should move beyond blaming colonialism and instead focus on finding solutions to current challenges.
The historic ties between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago were highlighted by Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, tracing back to the 19th century when a son of then Asantehene was sent to Trinidad after the Anglo-Asante war of 1884.
Recognizing this shared history, the Asantehene called for political establishments in both countries to collaborate, particularly in education, agriculture, and the cocoa industry.
During his visit, the Asantehene proposed a collaboration between the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and universities in Trinidad and Tobago, aiming to strengthen academic and economic ties.
In response, Prime Minister Keith Rowley highlighted the significance of the African royalty's visit to the Caribbean and the encouragement offered by the people of Trinidad and Tobago during Ghana's independence struggle.
He stressed the need for unity among Africans and the Diaspora to foster accelerated development and progress.
Dr. Rowley also mentioned Trinidad and Tobago's outreach efforts to various African nations, including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and South Africa, to strengthen diplomatic and economic relationships.
He saw Ghana as a pivotal gateway for Trinidad and Tobago's engagement with the African continent.
This historic visit by the Asantehene to Trinidad and Tobago symbolizes the growing relations between the two countries and marks an important step towards strengthening South-South cooperation between nations with shared history and aspirations.