- UK is moving from an aid donor to an investor in partner
countries, Development Minister says on first visit to Ghana.
-
visited UK-backed
businesses in Accra which are unlocking economic opportunities
and jobs for both countries.
- The UK's partnership with Ghana on tax helped generate £100m
in extra revenue in 2024.
The UK is unlocking economic growth and trading opportunities in
Ghana, as part of its modernised approach to international
development.
Development Minister visited Ghana this week (9-11
September) to see how the UK is evolving from an aid donor to an
investor in partner countries.
The Minister revealed how tax expertise provided by the Foreign,
Commonwealth and Development Office and HMRC helped Ghana
generate an additional £100 million in revenue in 2024. Ghana can
invest this additional revenue into public services like health
and education.
The UK's growth partnership with Ghana has also helped raise over
£125 million to support key sectors like automotive,
pharmaceuticals, and garments, creating over 5,000 jobs. The
partnership has improved the production of essential and advanced
medicines, and enabled exports of textiles across Africa and to
the UK.
UK Minister for International Development, , said:
The UK-Ghana partnership is thriving, using innovation and
expertise to create opportunities for both our countries.
Together we are tackling global challenges, and British expertise
is helping to unlock opportunities – and wealth – here, including
generating an extra £100 million in tax revenues last year.
Ghana's leaders have said they ultimately want a fair opportunity
to trade rather than our aid, and our relationship is typical of
the UK's new modernised approach to international development –
one where we invest in and work with countries, as partners.
During her three-day visit, the Minister toured Atlantic Life
Sciences, where UK expertise has enabled the production of
essential and advanced medicines, including snake venom
anti-serum. This is one of 300 active research partnerships
between the UK and Ghana, which are driving innovation and global
health security.
She also visited:
- A garments company supported by British International
Investment (UK's development finance institution) - one of the
largest in the region providing job opportunities for women, and
exporting ethically-made garments globally;
- A school that helps children back into Ghana's education
system, co-funded by the UK;
- A hospital supported by the UK through the Global Fund that
provides essential healthcare for diseases like malaria,
tuberculosis and HIV.
The Minister and President Mahama discussed the UK's growth and
investment partnership with Ghana that benefits both countries.
This includes making it easier for businesses to invest and
create jobs and developing partnerships between the two countries
- across private sector, government and research.
Finally, in a touching commemorative event, honoured the legacy of
Arthur Wharton, the world's first black professional footballer,
ahead of the 160th anniversary of his birth next month. He was
born in Ghana and played for Darlington FC.
exchanged tributes with
representatives of Ghana's Football Association and celebrated
the enduring relationship between the UK and Ghana - built on
historical ties, shared values, and vibrant people-to-people
connections.
