By Jibril Abdul Mumuni
Accra, June 01, GNA – Ghana and the United Kingdom have signed a landmark Growth Partnership agreement aimed at accelerating job creation, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing skills development in Ghana.
The agreement, signed during President John Dramani Mahama’s official visit to the UK, sets out a framework for cooperation between the two countries from 2026 to 2028, with a strong focus on private sector-led growth, increased trade, and investment mobilisation.
A release issued by the British High Commission in Accra, and shared with the Ghana News Agency, provided details on the framework of the partnership agreement.
The partnership builds on deals worth up to £215 million concluded at the Ghana Investment Summit in London and is expected to deliver tangible benefits to businesses and citizens across the country.
Dr Christian Rogg, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, described the partnership as a catalyst for inclusive and sustainable growth.
“This Growth Partnership is about real change people can see and feel. It means more skilled jobs, stronger ports and transport links, better access to finance, and new opportunities for young people and women across Ghana,” he said.
He added that the UK remained committed to supporting Ghana’s development priorities through long-term cooperation and private sector engagement.
The agreement comes as Ghana and the UK mark five years of their Trade Partnership Agreement, under which bilateral trade has grown to approximately £1.6 billion, reflecting a 12.5 per cent increase since 2024.
Four key priority areas have been identified under the agreement notably attracting private investment, easing trade for Ghanaian businesses, supporting infrastructure and industrial growth, and expanding education and skills development.
A major highlight of the partnership is a 101 million pounds UK-supported project to establish the Takoradi Floating Dock (ShipRite), the first commercial-scale ship repair and dry-docking facility in the Gulf of Guinea.
The project, being implemented in collaboration with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) and a consortium of international investors, is expected to create up to 430 direct jobs, with about 30 per cent reserved for women.
It will also position Ghana as a regional maritime hub while reducing emissions linked to long-distance vessel travel.
The agreement also includes a five- million pounds Green Project Preparation Facility to support the development of climate-aligned infrastructure.
The initiative, hosted by Financial Sector Deepening Africa in partnership with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF), is projected to unlock up to £180 million in investment over the next three years.
Mere Plantations announced plans to launch an £85-million reforestation investment fund to be listed on the London Stock Exchange.
The fund, backed by the Ghana Forestry Commission, will support large-scale reforestation, create jobs, and attract international capital into Ghana’s green economy.
Additionally, Rainforest Builder will inject nine million pounds into forest restoration efforts in the Oti Region, contributing to environmental protection and livelihoods.
The partnership also places strong emphasis on technology and human capital development.
A six-million pounds UK-backed initiative will support the implementation of Ghana’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, alongside new science collaborations between universities in both countries.
Ten new physics partnerships have already been funded to deepen research collaboration and innovation.
In the education sector, new Transnational Education guidelines will pave the way for stronger partnerships between UK and Ghanaian institutions, improving access to quality higher education and training.
A four-million pounds five-year programme will deliver specialised clinical engineering training in Ghana through a collaboration between a UK training provider and local firm Mangel Klicks, strengthening healthcare delivery and technical capacity.
GNA
Edited by Beatrice Asamani Savage