Ghana and the United Kingdom have renewed efforts to deepen trade ties, with officials highlighting investment opportunities, policy reforms, and infrastructure development as key drivers of future cooperation.
At a bilateral meeting held on the sidelines of the UK–Ghana Investment Forum in Accra, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Sampson Ahi, met with Mr. John Humphrey, the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa, to discuss trade facilitation and areas of mutual economic interest.
“We cherish our partnership with the UK and believe that with the right support, we can take our trade relations to the next level,” Hon. Ahi said, stressing Ghana’s priority areas for UK assistance. He identified import restrictions as a central concern that the country hopes to resolve through stronger engagement with its British partners.
A key issue on the agenda was the review of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act, which Ghana says will open up market access and make it easier for UK businesses to establish operations in the country. “The revised Act will allow companies to operate in Ghana more easily, encouraging more UK businesses to invest in the country,” Hon. Ahi added.
Mr. Humphrey welcomed the direction of the discussions, noting the UK’s interest in supporting Ghana’s long-term growth. “We believe that Ghana has immense potential for growth, and we’re excited about the opportunities that lie ahead for our businesses to work together,” he said.
The talks also emphasized the importance of infrastructure in boosting trade. Ghana, acknowledging the strain posed by its current systems, is prioritizing investments to facilitate commerce and strengthen competitiveness. “We’re working hard to improve our infrastructure, which will not only benefit our trade with the UK but also boost our overall economy,” Hon. Ahi said.
Agribusiness featured prominently in the discussions, with both sides agreeing that value addition in cocoa, cashew, fruits, and other commodities could unlock wider economic benefits. By advancing processing, marketing, and packaging, Ghana aims to expand its industrial base and increase farmer incomes through the government’s Feed the Industry programme.
The bilateral engagement marks another step in Ghana’s strategy to position itself as a gateway for trade and investment in West Africa, while offering UK businesses pathways into regional markets under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
