Accra: The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, has embarked on a two-day visit to Ghana with the goal of enhancing the partnership between the United Kingdom and Ghana. The visit, which commenced on Sunday, focuses on key areas such as education, climate-smart development, innovation, and inclusive sports. During his stay, Prince Edward is scheduled to meet President John Dramani Mahama and the National House of Chiefs, underscoring the long-standing relationship between the British Royal Family and Ghana's traditional leadership.
According to Ghana News Agency, the British High Commission released a statement on Monday indicating that the visit aims to highlight collaborative efforts that advance shared Commonwealth values and strengthen the historical bonds between the two nations. Prince Edward's itinerary includes meetings with government officials, development partners, community groups, and members of the Ghanaian diaspora.
As part of his engagements, the Duke will travel to Aburi in the Eastern Region to visit the Presbyterian Women's College of Education. There, he will observe a play-based teaching and learning program supported by Sabre Education and the UK, which is designed to enhance early childhood education delivery by equipping Ghanaian teachers with necessary skills.
During his time in Aburi, Prince Edward will also explore the Aburi Botanical Gardens, where he is expected to visit a plant nursery involved in flora preservation and horticultural training. Additionally, he will meet with entrepreneurs from the UK and Ghana's cocoa industry to discuss artisanal production, sustainable trade, and inclusive growth. A commemorative tree planting is also planned, in line with a tradition upheld by visiting dignitaries.
In Accra, the Duke will interact with participants of the Commonwealth Start-up Fellowship Programme Bootcamp. This initiative, delivered in partnership with the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and Imperial College London, gathers entrepreneurs from 24 Commonwealth countries to develop innovative solutions to global challenges.
A key event during the visit will be Prince Edward's engagement with Ghana's Paralympic and sports associations, highlighting the significance of inclusive sports in promoting character development, well-being, and social cohesion ahead of next year's Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. Furthermore, he will attend a UK-Ghana Theatre and Creative Arts event, which will showcase opportunities for collaboration in skills development and investment, featuring a performance of 'The Black Star - Teacher of Africa,' a play celebrating Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's legacy.
Dr. Christian Rogg, the British High Commissioner, emphasized the visit as a testament to the robust cooperation between the two countries. "His Royal Highness's visit to Ghana is a celebration of the strong and evolving relationship between the UK and Ghana," he stated. "It's about recognizing our shared values and the real impact of our collaboration-from education and climate action to inclusive development and innovation."
The visit will conclude with Prince Edward's attendance at the King's Birthday Party at the High Commissioner's residence, an annual event gathering stakeholders from government, business, civil society, and the diplomatic community.