London: President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday engaged in a breakfast meeting with United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer to discuss strengthening Ghana-UK relations. The discussions focused on deepening economic cooperation, expanding trade and investment opportunities, and advancing shared development priorities.
According to Ghana News Agency, the meeting, held at Number 10 Downing Street in London, is part of President Mahama's five-day official visit to the UK. Accompanying the President were Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson, Minister of Finance; Mrs. Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness, and Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, Ghana's High Commissioner to the UK and Ireland.
Before meeting with the Prime Minister, Ghana and the UK signed a landmark UK-Ghana Growth Partnership at the Ghana-UK Investment Summit, outlining a roadmap for 2026-2028. This agreement aims to deliver tangible benefits for Ghanaians and businesses operating in the country. President Mahama revealed that deals worth up to £215 million are central to their collaboration with the UK.
President Mahama emphasized the importance of prioritizing private-sector growth, infrastructure, and skills development to prepare the youth for global competition. He highlighted a significant £101 million UK-backed initiative that will establish the Gulf of Guinea's first commercial-scale ship repair and dry-docking facility. The Takoradi Floating Dock Project is expected to generate up to 430 direct jobs, with 30 percent reserved for women, positioning Ghana as a regional maritime hub.
The President stated that the partnership is also unlocking significant investments in climate-aligned infrastructure, including an £85 million reforestation fund and a £9 million investment for forest restoration in the Oti Region. These projects aim to generate local jobs and protect the environment.
Furthermore, President Mahama mentioned a £6 million partnership aimed at supporting the implementation of the Ghana AI Strategy and enhancing science and technology collaboration across universities. In the health sector, a £4 million partnership will be dedicated to specialist clinical engineering training, transforming healthcare systems. Additionally, new transnational education guidelines will be introduced to provide Ghanaian students with access to world-class training opportunities.