President of Ghana, His Excellency Nana Akufo-Addo, received an official welcome upon his arrival at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) around 10:30 this morning.
The red carpet was rolled out and the Barbados Defence Force (BDF) Band struck up to herald the Ghanaian President, who was greeted by Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley; Chief-of-Staff of the BDF, Glyne Grannum; and Deputy Commissioner of Police, Erwin Boyce.
A 21-Gun Salute was accorded to His Excellency to signify that the Head of State was on island for an official visit.
He then inspected the Guard of Honour and was introduced to Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Dr. Jerome Walcott; Minister of Innovation, Science and Smart Technology, Senator Kay McConney; Cabinet Secretary, Cecile Humphrey; and Acting Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Joyce Bourne. In turn, Prime Minister Mottley was presented to members of his entourage.
The National Anthem of Ghana was played by the BDF Band. Shortly after, President Akufo-Addo and Prime Minister Mottley engaged in a tête-a-tête in the Grace Adams Suite.
While on island, the Ghanaian leader will engage in bilateral talks with Prime Minister Mottley and several government ministers. He will also pay a courtesy call on Governor General, Dame Sandra Mason.
In what will be a historic occasion, President Akufo-Addo will deliver an address in a special session of Parliament this evening. It will be the first time a foreign dignitary will speak in the Senate Chambers.
He will also meet with the Ghanaian community during his brief visit. Barbados is the final leg of the President’s Caribbean tour; he also visited Guyana, St. Vincent and Trinidad and Tobago.