Accra:Ghana has made significant strides in discussions with the United Kingdom to secure an exemption from the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) for its students and professionals, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
According to Ghana Web, Ablakwa shared this development following a meeting with the UK’s Foreign Secretary, Edward Miliband, where they also discussed issues related to bilateral relations, trade, investment, and international cooperation.
The meeting served as a platform for both countries to assess their relationship, with a particular focus on the positive growth in Ghana-UK trade and investments. Ablakwa expressed optimism regarding the IELTS exemption, noting that Ghana has met the necessary statistical benchmarks in English proficiency required for the UK to consider the exemption favorably.
In addition to the IELTS discussions, the meeting touched upon President John Dramani Mahama’s vision for reparatory justice and the potential for further dialogue following a UN resolution led by Ghana, which declared the transatlantic enslavement of Africans as the gravest crime against humanity.
The officials also reviewed their shared priorities for 2027, when Ghana is anticipated to chair the African Union and the UK is set to preside over the G20. Preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda were also discussed.
Ablakwa extended his gratitude to the UK Foreign Secretary for his hospitality and reiterated Ghana’s dedication to enhancing the bilateral relations between the two nations.