The British High Commission in Accra has hosted a celebration of culture and creativity, highlighting the growing influence of the British-Ghanaian diaspora at the fourth annual Diaspora New Year Networking Mixer, held under the theme “London to Accra: Creatives Takeover.”
The event, which took place at the British High Commissioner’s Residence, attracted about 600 guests, including UK–Ghanaian entrepreneurs, creatives, business leaders, policymakers and cultural figures. Attendees experienced a blend of fashion, music, art and film, reflecting the creative links between London and Accra.
The Creatives Takeover forms part of the wider London to Accra campaign, launched in July 2025 to strengthen social, cultural and economic ties between the two cities. The initiative has since expanded to include economic collaboration, following the London to Accra Economic Growth Summit held at the Bank of Ghana, which brought together more than 100 leaders to discuss trade, investment and diaspora-led opportunities.
Fashion designers, including London- and Accra-based Sarah Boadu and The Revival, showcased collections inspired by contemporary African identity shaped by diaspora influence. The event also paid tribute to the Azonto era, recognising its role in strengthening musical ties between Ghana and the UK.
Musical performances by Sarkodie, Camidoh, Flava and Mista Silva featured prominently, with Capital Xtra’s DJ Manny Norte providing music throughout the evening.
Guests also interacted with a range of creative exhibitions, including A Tale of Two Cities, a photography showcase by My Runway Group; Archive Africa, a film series exploring Ghanaian life within the UK diaspora; and an interactive cocktail-making experience by Aphro Spirit, which blended West African palm ingredients with modern mixology.
Remarks were delivered by the British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Dr Christian Rogg, and the Deputy Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Yussif Issaka Jajah, both of whom highlighted creativity as a key link between nations.
Dr Rogg said culture continues to shape identity in both cities, referencing Sarkodie’s upcoming Rapperholic concert at London’s Royal Albert Hall in March 2026 as a milestone for Ghanaian music on the global stage. He said such collaborations demonstrate the value of cultural exchange and diaspora creativity.
The Head of Strategic Partnerships and Diaspora Relations at the British High Commission, Pamela Bassah, described creativity as central to cultural and economic exchange, noting the role of the British-Ghanaian diaspora in strengthening UK–Ghana relations. She said the London to Accra initiative aims to unlock collaboration and sustainable growth beyond celebration.
The London to Accra campaign positions both cities as key centres for diaspora engagement, cultural exchange and international collaboration.
The Diaspora New Year Networking Mixer is an annual event hosted by the British High Commission in Accra, with the 2026 edition marking the fourth in the series. Previous editions have brought together diaspora members, creatives and business leaders to celebrate the UK–Ghana partnership.
