A groundbreaking direct flight from Ghana to Barbados has reignited discussions on establishing permanent transport links between Africa and the Caribbean. The historic journey, which took place earlier this week, was highlighted by Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, the ceremonial ruler of Ghana’s Ashanti Empire, during a forum titled ‘Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Connect. Build. Renew’ at the University of the West Indies, Cave Hill. The Asantehene emphasized the need for ‘air and sea bridges’ to foster deeper connections between the two regions, which share a profound historical and cultural legacy. He praised Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley for her advocacy in this regard, describing her as a ‘daughter of Africa.’ The Asantehene and his delegation arrived in Barbados on Tuesday aboard the historic flight, ahead of the GUBA 2025 Investment Conference and Awards. He stressed that overcoming long-standing barriers to travel and engagement is essential for meaningful reconnection. ‘A direct flight can take a shorter time and be more convenient,’ he noted, urging greater determination and coordination to transform geographic proximity into genuine connectivity. The Asantehene outlined a broader mission to reconnect Africa and its diaspora through education, culture, and direct engagement. He called for confronting the shared trauma of enslavement, colonization, and racism, while promoting academic exchanges, cultural partnerships, and diaspora-led initiatives in sectors like health, agriculture, and finance. Economic cooperation, he argued, is vital for both regions, with new trade corridors needed to bypass traditional colonial routes. He highlighted the African Union’s 2006 designation of the diaspora as the continent’s ‘sixth region’ and the role of institutions like Afreximbank in supporting development across CARICOM. The Asantehene also pointed to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a catalyst for expanding opportunities. ‘Finance is the oxygen of development,’ he said, urging creative resource mobilization. Concluding his address, he called for unity and long-term cooperation, emphasizing, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.’ The Ashanti Empire, founded in the late 1600s, remains a symbol of African resilience, with its rich cultural heritage enduring despite colonial challenges.