UK Courts Ghanaian Businesses to Strengthen Trade Partnerships and Support 24-Hour Economy

The United Kingdom is urging Ghanaian businesses to see the UK as a key gateway for trade and investment, positioning it as a springboard for growth into European and global markets. UK officials say this collaboration could unlock fresh opportunities for both countries and boost Ghana’s economic transformation agenda, including the 24-hour economy initiative championed by the government.

Speaking at the UK–Ghana Trade and Investment Forum in Accra, UK Trade Commissioner for Africa, John Humphrey, noted that Ghana enjoys privileged access to the UK market under a long-standing trade partnership agreement now in its fifth year. He encouraged Ghanaian firms to leverage programmes like Growth Gateway, which help businesses enter and navigate the UK market.

Humphrey explained that although these programmes are not directly tied to Ghana’s 24-hour economy plan, they demonstrate the UK’s wider commitment to deepening commercial and economic ties with Ghana. He highlighted the UK’s readiness to support Ghana’s development ambitions through trade, technology transfer and skills partnerships.

On the Ghanaian side, Presidential Advisor on the 24-Hour Economy, Goosie Tanoh, disclosed that the government plans to upgrade the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat into a fully-fledged authority with an expanded mandate. A draft bill establishing the authority has been approved by Cabinet and is expected to be presented to Parliament when it resumes in October.

Executive Director of the UK–Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Adjoba Kyiamah, described the forum as an important platform to align the growth agendas of both nations. She said the Chamber’s role is to engage with governments on behalf of member companies to ensure that businesses remain viable, sustainable and able to contribute meaningfully to both economies.

source: citi newsroom