By Iddi Yire, GNA Special Correspondent in London
London, June 1, GNA — The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr Christian Rogg, says a UK-backed private infrastructure development group, PIDG, is investing £101 million in a ship repair and dry-docking facility at Takoradi Port.
He said the project, the group’s largest investment to date, would create up to 430 jobs, with 30% reserved for women, and strengthen Ghana’s role as a regional maritime hub.
Dr Rogg disclosed this in his address at the opening of the Ghana-UK Investment Summit in London, a two-day event organised by the Ghana High Commission in the UK in collaboration with Invest Africa and the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce. The summit brought together business leaders, institutional investors, policymakers, and development partners.
He acknowledged PIDG and Shipright for delivering the project.
“Today we’re also launching the Green Project Preparation Facility with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund to turn valuable ideas into investable, climate-focused projects,” he said.
The initiative, he added, would unlock up to £180 million in infrastructure deals over the next three years, with participation from UK firms. “And please, can we also put our hands together for them?” he added.
Dr Rogg said these initiatives mark major steps in strengthening Ghana’s infrastructure and attracting further UK investment. He noted that UK exporters are expanding in Ghana, bringing innovation, skills, and expertise.
He cited the Eastwood Park and Mango Clicks Health Partnership as an example of growing collaboration.
He further estimated that transnational education and science and technology partnerships could generate over £61 million in UK exports and expertise over the next three years. These, he said, reflect the type of outcomes both countries want: “well-structured, investable projects that bring together Ghanaian ambition with UK and international capital and expertise.”
“The next chapter of the UK-Ghana partnership will be defined by what we will deliver together… by the projects we develop and finance, by the businesses we grow and by the jobs and prosperity we create in both countries,” he said.
He stressed the need for strong partnerships and a “relentless focus on delivery,” pledging full UK government support.
Dr Rogg said the aim is to create new opportunities for investors and accelerate trade between both countries, while building on strong existing foundations.
“The UK-Ghana partnership is already thriving,” he said, noting British businesses have played a major role in Ghana for decades, spanning banking, manufacturing, energy, and infrastructure.
He highlighted finance as a key sector, citing 130 years of Standard Chartered Bank’s presence in Ghana as a symbol of long-term confidence in the economy.
In manufacturing, he referenced Unilever’s long-standing operations supporting industrialisation, local value addition, and jobs.
On infrastructure, he cited recent airport terminals in Kumasi and Tamale, alongside roads, bridges, and markets.
In energy, he said Tullow, with Ghanaian and international partners, discovered the Jubilee oil field in 2007, transforming Ghana into a commercial oil producer. He added that the UK has also supported renewable energy development.
In agribusiness, he said Blue Skies employs thousands of Ghanaians and exports fresh fruit to supermarkets within 48 hours, while Demeter Ghana is improving productivity for over 100,000 farmers through fertiliser support, soil testing, and agronomic services.
He also mentioned The Body Shop UK, which has sourced shea butter from women’s cooperatives in northern Ghana for over 34 years, and Marg Race, a Ghanaian garment company producing uniforms for Astor George.
He said these investments are improving livelihoods for thousands of people.
“Over the last 20 years, there have been more than 670 projects of UK foreign direct investment in Ghana, creating more than 44,000 jobs,” he said.
Dr Rogg added that UK FDI into Ghana stood at £1.8 billion last year, while bilateral trade reached £1.6 billion. However, he said the focus should now be on future growth.
“And we’re hearing very clearly that Ghana is back and that Ghana is open for business,” he said.
He noted Ghana’s renewed focus on economic stability, reform, and growth through initiatives such as the Big Push infrastructure programme, the 24-Hour Economy policy, and the Accelerated Export Development Strategy.
“The next chapter is about what we will build together next,” he concluded.
Edited by Audrey Dekalu
GNA