The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its dedication to strengthening its partnership with Ghana during the 9th UK-Ghana Business Council meeting held in Accra on January 31. The gathering, co-chaired by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and the UK’s Minister for State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, resulted in a mutual agreement to expedite trade and investment efforts for the prosperity of both nations.
Andrew Mitchell, MP, Minister for Development and Africa, expressed his immense pride in the accomplishments of the UK-Ghana Business Council. He highlighted the achievements of the partnership, including the collaborative initiatives in the automotive sector, the Green Cities and Infrastructure program aimed at mobilizing climate finance, and ambitious plans for advancing cooperation in science, technology, and innovation.
Mitchell underscored the enduring friendship between the UK and Ghana, emphasizing that their joint endeavors over the past five years have set a course for economic prosperity, innovation, and shared growth. He conveyed his anticipation of continued efforts to create opportunities for both nations.
During the discussions, Minister Mitchell recognized the significance of the £5 million multi-country ODA-funded bilateral technical partnership on animal health. This project, which involves the UK and several African countries, including Ghana, aims to strengthen terrestrial and aquatic animal health systems. By enhancing disease prevention, detection, and response capabilities, the project seeks to increase the productivity and resilience of the farming sector while working towards preventing avoidable deaths in vulnerable communities. Remarkably, over 228 communities in Ghana have already benefited from this project, demonstrating its tangible impact on the ground.
Furthermore, Minister Mitchell expressed the UK’s unwavering support for Ghana’s economic recovery efforts. He engaged in discussions on the progress of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program with Deputy Minister of Finance John Ampontuah Kumah, reaffirming the UK’s commitment to assisting Ghana in its recovery journey.
Climate change and environmental sustainability were also on the agenda, as Minister Mitchell discussed the Climate Vulnerable Forum’s priorities with President Nasheed. He explored avenues through which the UK can support Ghana, particularly in President Nasheed’s role as chair of the forum.
In addition to these high-level engagements, Minister Mitchell met with Ghana’s Minister for National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah. Their discussions revolved around regional security developments, including the situation in Niger. They also delved into Ghana’s involvement in bilateral and multilateral responses through the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Accra Initiative, building on the recent 3rd Security Dialogue held in Accra.
As a testament to the UK’s commitment to democratic values, Minister Mitchell met with Members of Parliament from both sides of Ghana’s political spectrum. During these meetings, he underscored the importance of Ghana’s democracy and the UK government’s strong support for free, fair, and peaceful elections in the country.
The 9th UK-Ghana Business Council meeting showcased the deepening partnership between the two nations, with a clear focus on trade, investment, and sustainable development. As Ghana and the UK continue to collaborate on various fronts, their shared vision for economic growth and prosperity remains steadfast, creating opportunities for mutual benefit.
