The United Kingdom and Ghana have officially launched a major new Growth Partnership. This initiative brings together investments of up to £215 million. It aims to create significant job opportunities. The partnership also seeks to strengthen Ghana's infrastructure. Furthermore, it will improve access to education and skills development.
This agreement was signed during Ghana’s President John Mahama’s recent visit to the UK. The partnership builds upon investment commitments made at the Ghana Investment Summit in London. It will guide cooperation between the two countries for the years 2026 to 2028. The core focus is on encouraging growth led by private businesses. It also aims to attract more investment and build stronger economic links.
The partnership centers on four main areas. These include attracting private investment and finance. It also focuses on improving trade opportunities for Ghanaian companies. A further priority is supporting infrastructure and industrial development. Lastly, it aims to expand partnerships in education and skills training. This initiative arrives at a crucial time for Ghana's economic development. It aligns with the government's agenda for growth and job creation.
A key project within this partnership is the Takoradi Floating Dock Project. This UK-supported initiative will cost £101 million. It aims to establish the first commercial-scale ship repair and dry-docking facility in the Gulf of Guinea. Known as ShipRite, the project involves a group of investors. The UK’s Private Infrastructure Development Group (PIDG) is a partner. The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) is also involved. This project is expected to create around 430 direct jobs. A significant portion, about 30%, will be for women. It seeks to make Ghana a key regional maritime hub. It will also reduce emissions by cutting travel for ship maintenance.
Another important £5 million initiative is the Green Project Preparation Facility. This UK-supported fund is hosted by Financial Sector Deepening Africa (FSD Africa). It partners with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund. The facility helps turn good public and private ideas into climate-focused infrastructure projects. Officials believe this could lead to up to £180 million in investment deals over three years. It supports Ghana’s infrastructure goals and offers chances for UK businesses.
In the important forestry sector, Mere Plantations plans to grow its plantation and reforestation efforts. It will use biochar technology for better sustainability. The company will launch an £85 million reforestation investment fund. This fund will be listed in the UK. The Forestry Commission backs this fund. It is meant to draw international money into reforestation and carbon projects. This will create jobs and help restore damaged land. Rainforest Builder will also invest £9 million. This will support forest restoration in the Oti Region, creating jobs and helping conservation.
Technology and innovation are also a major focus. A new partnership will help implement Ghana’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy. This is part of a wider science and technology collaboration. Around £6 million in UK funding supports this. Ten new Physics Partnerships are also being created. UK Research and Innovation is collaborating on these. They aim to strengthen research ties between universities in both countries. In education, new Transnational Education guidelines are now in place. They make it easier for UK and Ghanaian institutions to partner. This improves access to quality higher education and training.
The healthcare sector will also see benefits. A £4 million, five-year partnership will provide training. A UK training provider will work with Ghana's Mangel Klicks. They will deliver specialist clinical engineering training across Ghana and the wider region. This partnership follows the five-year anniversary of the UK-Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement. Bilateral trade between the UK and Ghana has reached about £1.6 billion. This is a 12.5% increase since 2024. British International Investment has about £140 million invested in Ghana. This includes support for garment maker Maa Grace.
British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Christian Rogg, highlighted the practical benefits. He stated, “This Growth Partnership is about real change people can see and feel. It means more skilled jobs, stronger ports and transport links, better access to finance, and new opportunities for young people and women across Ghana.” He added, “By working with Ghanaian partners and backing private investment, we are supporting growth that is sustainable, inclusive and led by Ghana’s own priorities.” The UK government sees this as a demonstration of its long-term commitment to Ghana's economic transformation. It also opens new commercial opportunities.