I’m very pleased to be back in Ghana after nearly 20 years and honoured to return as the British High Commissioner. My previous posting here from 2006 to 2009 left me with fond memories. My children spent their early years in Accra; we celebrated Ghana’s 50th independence anniversary in 2007, cheered the Black Stars at the 2008 Africa Cup of Nations, and enjoyed more Waakye than we probably should have!
Back then, I saw energy and possibility everywhere, from young tech entrepreneurs in internet cafés to communities building schools and clinics, and excitement around the discovery of oil. On returning, the first thing that struck me was Accra’s transformed skyline, a clear sign of business confidence. I’m eager to explore the many other changes across the country.
What hasn’t changed is the generosity, optimism, and democratic spirit of Ghanaians. These qualities are the bedrock of progress and the reason I believe Ghana’s future is so promising. The UK wants to be a partner in that future. Our shared history includes difficult chapters, but from that past we’ve built a relationship rooted in mutual respect and a shared vision.
In London, I saw how the British Ghanaian diaspora acts as a vibrant bridge between our nations, driving trade, innovation, and cultural exchange. These connections are the foundation of a modern partnership, one that’s evolving to meet the challenges of a changing world.
We’re moving from traditional aid to partnerships that foster shared prosperity. UK collaboration with Ghanaian institutions – like supporting tax reforms with the Ghana Revenue Authority, boosting industrial growth through growth partnerships, and fostering parliamentary partnerships and mutual learning – works because it’s Ghana-led, with UK expertise offered in a practical, respectful way. This modernised approach to development, from aid to investment, was showcased during the UK Minister for International Development’s visit to Ghana earlier this month.
We’re supporting local private sector investment, linking Ghanaian and UK markets, creating jobs and bringing Ghanaian products to UK supermarket shelves. Strategic partnerships have attracted over £125 million in investment and created 5,000+ jobs across multiple sectors. UK-backed infrastructure projects—Kejetia Market, Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, and airports in Tamale and Kumasi—are enhancing connectivity and public services. UK partnerships with the pharmaceutical sector have helped produce sera vaccines, essential COVID-19 medicines and other advanced products here in Ghana.
Trade remains central to our partnership. Bilateral trade reached £1.6 billion in early 2025, with room to grow especially in sectors like healthcare, agriculture, education, infrastructure, and clean energy. The UK-Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement provides duty-free, quota-free access for Ghanaian exports to the UK, supporting Ghana’s industrial transformation and export development goals. As host of the African Continental Free Trade Area, Ghana is a gateway to West Africa and beyond for UK businesses.
We continue to work together on shared challenges like countering terrorism, organised crime, disinformation, cyber threats, and keeping the peace. Ghana’s leadership in promoting regional stability is invaluable. I look forward to collaborating bilaterally and at the UN on global issues like international human rights, media freedom, and reforming international finance.
Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting President John Mahama. We discussed current global challenges, how our bilateral partnership has evolved but remains strong and deep, and will draw even closer on our shared growth and security priorities. Our partnership holds promise.
Ghana’s young population, growing economy, and democratic institutions offer a strong foundation for progress. The UK brings expertise, investment, and market access to help unlock Ghana’s potential while learning from Ghanaian resilience and innovation.
Returning to Ghana is more than a professional assignment; it’s a personal journey and a homecoming. I’m committed to listening, learning, and working closely with partners across government, civil society, and the private sector, in the spirit of mutual respect and genuine dialogue.
The Adinkra symbol Ese ne Tekrema, representing the tongue and teeth, reminds us that true partnership involves not just agreement, but respectful conversation. Guided by this principle, I begin my posting to Ghana with renewed commitment to collaboration.
I’m honoured to serve once again and deeply grateful for the warmth and hospitality of the Ghanaian people. Let’s continue to grow together and strengthen the bonds of friendship and shared progress.
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Source: myjoyonline.com
