Ghana Ambassador to UK talks trade strengthening efforts between both countries
In a recent interview on JoyNews’ PM Express, Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, shed light on the ongoing efforts to fortify the trade relationship between the two nations. The High Commissioner highlighted the proactive measures undertaken to address challenges and strengthen economic ties between Ghana and the United Kingdom.
A cornerstone of these efforts has been the establishment of the UK Ghana Business Council in 2018. This council serves as a platform for comprehensive discussions on trade priorities and challenges faced by both nations. Its primary objective is to identify trade barriers and develop actionable strategies to surmount them.
Notably, the most recent development in this endeavor is the creation of the UK Ghana Investors Advisory Group during a meeting in June. Focused on the private sector, this advisory group aims to identify potential bottlenecks in investment and trade and recommend solutions to overcome them.
Both nations share a mutual commitment to enhancing their economic relationship, expanding trade opportunities, and encouraging investments that would benefit both Ghana and the United Kingdom. The substantial progress achieved in recent years underscores the significance of the UK’s support in creating a conducive business and investment environment.
High Commissioner Owusu-Ankomah emphasized the importance of the UK government and its agencies in supporting Ghana’s strengths in the automotive, textiles, and pharmaceutical sectors. This support includes training professionals in these sectors and facilitating their access to UK markets, ultimately boosting exports of Ghanaian products.
With the Trade Partnership Agreement signed in the early part of 2021, offering Ghana free access to UK markets, both nations are well-positioned to leverage this agreement to their advantage. High Commissioner Owusu-Ankomah underscored that success largely depends on the collective efforts of both sides in identifying and addressing impediments, thereby enabling entrepreneurs to expand exports to the United Kingdom.
The tireless efforts of Ghana’s High Commissioner, coupled with the backing of the UK government, signify a shared commitment to deepening economic ties between the two nations. These strategic initiatives and partnerships are pivotal in fostering economic growth and prosperity, creating a promising outlook for future trade relations.
