Former President John Dramani Mahama has called for a major change in Ghana's relationship with the United Kingdom. He said cooperation must go beyond just buying and selling goods. The future needs deeper strategic teamwork.
Mahama made these remarks at the Ghana-UK Investment Summit in London on Monday, June 1, 2026. He believes the partnership should change to match today's global economy. It must also support Ghana's development goals.
He stressed that future cooperation should focus on important areas. These include making things (manufacturing), new technologies, building roads and bridges (infrastructure), farming and food production (agribusiness), and clean energy.
Other key sectors are money services (financial services), medicines (pharmaceuticals), tourism, teaching, and the digital world. Mahama wants Ghana to be seen as a safe and smart place for global money. This comes as global economics are changing.
"The future of the Ghana-UK partnership must move beyond traditional trade into deeper strategic collaboration in manufacturing, technology, infrastructure, agribusiness, renewable energy, financial services, pharmaceuticals, tourism, education, and the digital economy," Mahama stated. He said this change is key to building a strong partnership. It will benefit both countries for a long time.
Mahama sees the summit as more than just a meeting. He described it as a starting point for lasting deals. These deals could create jobs and new ideas. They could also boost industries and promote shared success. He added, "This summit is therefore not simply a networking event. It is a platform for building long-term partnerships capable of delivering jobs, innovation, industrial growth, and shared prosperity."
Ghana has been working hard to attract more investment. The country aims to be a prime spot for global companies. This effort is happening as the world's economy shifts.