President John Dramani Mahama visited two Ghanaian-owned businesses in Tottenham, London, on Tuesday, reinforcing his administration’s commitment to supporting indigenous enterprises and diaspora entrepreneurship. This visit was part of a five-day high-level working visit to the United Kingdom aimed at deepening economic cooperation and attracting investment.
Context of the Visit
The President’s trip to the UK is designed to promote Ghana as a prime destination for business and investment. It seeks to foster stronger commercial ties between Ghana and its international partners, particularly the UK.
Engagement with Local Businesses
Accompanied by Ghana’s High Commissioner to the UK, Mrs Sabah Zita Benson, President Mahama toured Uncle John’s Bakery and a popular Waakye Joint. He engaged directly with the owners and staff, learning about their operational experiences and purchasing their products. This interaction underscored the significant role of Ghanaian entrepreneurs operating abroad.
Broader Economic Agenda
The visit aligns with the government’s wider strategy to encourage business development, create jobs, and enhance economic partnerships. Earlier on Tuesday, President Mahama held a significant breakfast meeting with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street. Key figures including the Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, were present.
UK-Ghana Growth Partnership
A major announcement from the trip was the Ghana-UK Investment Summit 2026, where President Mahama unveiled the UK-Ghana Growth Partnership. This strategic roadmap, spanning 2026 to 2028, is set to deliver substantial benefits to Ghanaians and businesses. It centres on investment agreements totaling up to £215 million, focusing on private sector growth, infrastructure, and youth skills training.
Key Investment Projects
A significant component of this partnership is a £101 million UK-backed initiative to establish the Gulf of Guinea’s first commercial-scale ship repair and dry-docking facility. The Takoradi Floating Dock Project is projected to create approximately 430 direct jobs, with a dedicated 30% quota for women. This project aims to position Ghana as a leading maritime services hub in West Africa.
Furthermore, the partnership aims to attract considerable climate-related investments. This includes an £85 million reforestation fund and a £9 million project focused on forest restoration in the Oti Region.
High-Profile Engagements
President Mahama’s UK visit has included a series of high-profile activities. These engagements encompass ringing the opening bell at the London Stock Exchange, delivering an address at the influential Chatham House, and speaking at the 12th Africa Debate at Guildhall. These events collectively project Ghana as an attractive investment destination, reinforcing the administration’s dedication to economic reform, transparency, and private sector-led growth.
Connecting Local and Global Markets
The President’s support for Ghanaian-owned businesses abroad is part of a larger strategy to link local enterprise development with international market opportunities. Domestically, initiatives like the 24-Hour Economy programme, coupled with accessible credit schemes and preferential procurement policies, are designed to foster an environment conducive to the expansion of indigenous businesses and job creation.
Through diplomatic outreach and targeted investment promotion, the Ghanaian government is actively working to connect local businesses with global capital, advanced technology, essential expertise, and wider export markets. This multifaceted approach is intended to boost the competitiveness of Ghanaian enterprises both within Ghana and on the international stage.
Future Outlook
The government’s strategy also prioritizes promoting value addition in local industries, supporting women entrepreneurs, ensuring local participation in national development projects, and attracting strategic foreign investment to drive Ghana’s economic transformation. Observers will be watching to see how these initiatives translate into tangible economic growth and increased opportunities for Ghanaian businesses in the coming years.
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