A new UK-Ghana Growth Partnership has launched, targeting up to £180 million in infrastructure deals over the next three years. This initiative strengthens trade and investment ties between the two nations, aiming for concrete economic outcomes.
The partnership follows President John Dramani Mahama’s recent visit to the United Kingdom. It emphasizes practical progress, focusing on creating jobs, attracting investment, and fostering growth in Ghana. The goal is to move beyond agreements to deliver tangible benefits for ordinary citizens.
This collaboration builds on a strong existing economic relationship. Trade between the UK and Ghana currently stands at approximately £1.6 billion. The UK-Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement, now in its fifth year, provides a stable framework for businesses. British International Investment has already placed around £140 million into Ghanaian businesses, supporting manufacturing, finance, and service sectors. These investments foster sustainable growth and job creation.
Dr Christian Rogg, British High Commissioner to Ghana, and Sabah Zita Benson, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to the United Kingdom, highlighted the partnership's focus. They emphasized that success will be measured by business expansion, employment generation from skills training, and visible opportunities in communities. They acknowledged that strong partnerships depend on infrastructure, access to finance, and skilled people. The partnership includes specific initiatives designed to address these areas.
Several key projects are central to the new partnership's goals. A £5 million Green Project Preparation Facility will help transform viable ideas into investable, climate-focused projects. This facility, hosted by Financial Sector Deepening Africa in collaboration with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, could unlock significant infrastructure deals. The £101 million Takoradi Floating Dock project aims to create Ghana’s first commercial-scale ship repair facility. This project expects to generate up to 430 direct jobs, with about 30% for women.
The partnership also extends to climate initiatives and skills development. An £85 million reforestation fund by Mere Plantations seeks to attract global capital into Ghana’s green economy. This fund will restore degraded land and support rural livelihoods. New Transnational Education guidelines are projected to generate £55 million in education exports over five years. A separate £4 million, five-year partnership will deliver specialist clinical engineering training, boosting Ghana's healthcare expertise.
Ghanaian and UK governments have established mechanisms to ensure these commitments move from concept to reality. The focus remains on projects that create jobs and foster greater participation by Ghanaian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This renewed partnership signifies a high-level commitment from both countries. It aims to scale up efforts by both public and private sectors to deliver shared prosperity.