Ghana and UK Strengthen Trade Ties: Focus on Agribusiness, Investment, and Infrastructure
Ghana is taking a bold step to boost trade relations with the United Kingdom, following a high-level meeting between Sampson Ahi, Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, and John Humphrey, the UK Trade Commissioner for Africa. The discussions, held on the sidelines of the UK-Ghana Investment Forum in Accra, centered on strengthening cooperation and exploring new business opportunities between the two nations.
During the meeting, Deputy Minister Ahi highlighted Ghana’s key areas of priority where UK support is needed, including addressing import restrictions that have long affected trade flows. “We cherish our partnership with the UK and believe that with the right support, we can take our trade relations to the next level,” he said, emphasizing the potential benefits of a more seamless trading environment.
A significant part of the discussion focused on the review of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) Act. The revised Act is expected to facilitate easier market access for foreign companies and attract more UK businesses to invest in Ghana. According to Ahi, this legal update will simplify operations for investors and enhance the overall business climate in the country.
UK Trade Commissioner Humphrey expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting the UK’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic growth. The meeting also addressed the need for improved infrastructure, which remains a critical factor in facilitating trade. “We’re working hard to improve our infrastructure, which will not only benefit our trade with the UK but also boost our overall economy,” Ahi explained.
Agribusiness emerged as another major focus area, with both sides agreeing on its importance in value addition, processing, and marketing of raw materials. Strengthening agribusiness is expected to increase incomes for farmers and agripreneurs, while contributing to Ghana’s industrialization goals under the government’s “Feed the Industry” program. The partnership signals a strategic move to expand trade, investment, and economic collaboration between Ghana and the UK.
source: citi newsroom