Direct Flight Between Africa and the Caribbean is Long Overdue- Otumfuo

The King of the Asante Kingdom, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has added his voice to the advocacy to operate a direct flight between Africa and the Caribbean.

The Asantehene, while speaking on November 12, 2025, at the Cave Hill Campus of the University of the West Indies under the theme: “Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Connect, Build, Renew”, underscored the need to bridge the divide between Africa and the African diaspora.

He described this move as one that would foster stronger ties, not just at the governmental level, but through academic exchange, cultural immersion, and people-to-people interactions.

“We must break the silence that has surrounded our shared history and actively strive to build the ‘unbreakable’ bridge that has been missing for centuries.”

By this, Otumfuo said operating a direct flight between Africa and the Caribbean was long overdue, as he examined its potential, including what he called “genuine” connectivity and cultural tourism promotion.

His Majesty thereby commended the organisers of the GUBA Awards 2025 for organising the direct flight from Accra to Bridgetown for the African continent attendees.

The Monarch also made other recommendations to reconnect with Africa, the mother continent.

“We can also focus on education by utilising our educational institutions to build bridges and educate people about Africa within Caribbean communities, and vice versa. It is also possible to promote cultural collaboration by facilitating partnerships between cultural figures such as musicians and writers.

“It should be possible for us to encourage diaspora-led initiatives through supporting community-based knowledge sharing led by the diaspora in areas like health, agriculture, and finance.”

Story by Hajara Fuseini