Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK) have signed a bilateral commitment and memorandum of understanding (MoUs) to promote cooperation in the automotive, animal health, science, technology and innovation sectors.
At the 9th meeting of the UK-Ghana Business Council held in Accra, which was co-chaired by Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia and UK Minister for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, the two sides agreed on concrete actions to accelerate trade and investment between them for a mutually prosperous future.
The 9th UK-Ghana Business Council was organized by the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UK-GCC).
During a meeting with the Minister of Food and Agriculture, Dr. Bryan Acheampong, Mr Mitchell recognized the importance of the £5 million technical cooperation funded by the Official Development Assistance (ODA) of many countries and focused on improving animal health. This agreement was signed in 2022.
This initiative aims to strengthen terrestrial and aquatic animal health systems by strengthening disease prevention, detection and response mechanisms.
With a strong focus on enhancing productivity and resilience in the agricultural sector, it emerged that the project has already benefited more than 228 communities in Ghana – making a tangible impact in the region.
In addition, Mr Mitchell highlighted transformative results in the automotive sector, unveiling plans for new green cities and an infrastructure program aimed at mobilizing climate finance.
Reflecting on the enduring friendship between the two nations, he noted that cooperative efforts over the past five years pave the way for economic prosperity, innovation and common development.
“Today, we are celebrating the success of a new automotive partnership and a new green cities and infrastructure programme, which will help mobilize climate finance and, of course, has exciting ambitions for our relationship in science, technology and innovation,” said Mr. Mitchell.
He added: “This is proof of the enduring friendship between our two countries. Our collective efforts over the past five years have charted a course of economic prosperity, innovation and shared growth.”
Beyond the economic commitments, the minister highlighted the UK’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic recovery.
Meetings with officials, including Deputy Finance Minister John Kumah, featured ongoing collaborations and discussions on the progress of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) program.
Minister Mitchell also took part in discussions on the priorities of the Climate Vulnerability Forum, highlighting how the UK can support Ghana as its chair.
The British official also met with the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan-Dapaah, where they discussed enhancing cooperation efforts between the two nations through ECOWAS and the Accra Initiative – building on the 3rd Security Dialogue held recently in Accra.
He also held discussions with MPs from both sides of the political spectrum, stressing the value of the UK government to Ghana’s democracy and the paramount importance of free, fair and peaceful elections in the upcoming general elections later this year.