By Hannah Dadzie
British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Christian Rogg, says the London to Accra initiative marks a strategic shift in UK–Ghana relations, placing economic growth, private capital mobilisation, and diaspora-led investment at the centre of bilateral cooperation.
Addressing the London to Accra Economic Growth Summit in Accra, Dr. Rogg said the 2026 engagement differs from previous diaspora gatherings by deliberately focusing on economic opportunities that connect both countries.
He explained that the summit, which was co-hosted by the British High Commission Accra and the Bank of Ghana, forms part of a year-long London to Accra campaign launched in July by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan. This is aimed at translating long-standing cultural ties into tangible trade and investment outcomes.
Dr. Rogg described the partnership between the British High Commission and the Bank of Ghana as a reflection of the shared ambition of both governments to drive inclusive economic transformation. He noted that both countries have recently outlined new growth strategies, with the UK implementing a modern industrial strategy to stimulate business investment and innovation, while Ghana advances flagship initiatives such as the 24-hour-plus programme to boost productivity, competitiveness, and job creation.
Highlighting the importance of private capital, Dr. Rogg cited the UK-funded Jobs and Economic Transformation Project, which has mobilised more than $117 million in investment and supported the creation of more than 8,000 jobs in Ghana. He also pointed to British International Investment’s portfolio exceeding $220 million in the country and its Growth Investment Partners programme, which provides local-currency financing to small and medium-sized businesses in sectors including financial services, agriculture, and manufacturing.
The High Commissioner further noted recent milestones in UK–Ghana cooperation, including a bilateral debt restructuring agreement with Ghana’s Ministry of Finance, expected to unlock $256 million for critical infrastructure projects. He added that trade and sector-specific partnerships in healthcare, education, and sports infrastructure continue to strengthen economic ties between the two countries.
Dr. Rogg also announced plans for a UK-led education trade mission to BET 2026 in London, aimed at enhancing education sector linkages and accelerating digital transformation in Ghana’s learning systems. He reaffirmed UK support for Ghanaian companies seeking access to global technology solutions and entry into the UK market.
He emphasised that the UK–Ghana diaspora remains central to the success of these initiatives, describing it as a vital bridge for investment, entrepreneurship, skills transfer, and market access.
The London to Accra Economic Growth Summit provides a platform to connect diaspora leaders with policymakers, investors, and innovators to co-create solutions that deliver long-term shared prosperity. Dr. Rogg expressed confidence that the summit would translate connections into deals and partnerships, reinforcing the UK–Ghana economic relationship and positioning the diaspora as a key driver of sustainable growth.
The UK–Ghana Diaspora Investment Summit, a high-level inaugural convening, brought together UK and Ghanaian leaders to explore new pathways for diaspora-led trade, investment, and economic growth. The summit recognised the British Ghanaian diaspora as a strategic bridge between London and Accra, highlighting its contribution to priority sectors including financial services, creative industries, digital and technology, and professional services. It demonstrates the strong UK–Ghana partnership while raising awareness of diaspora-driven opportunities for trade, investment, and innovation.
Building on the London to Accra campaign, the summit advances the UK Government’s commitment to diaspora engagement as a pillar of international economic strategy, creating a platform to translate diaspora potential into practical investment and partnership opportunities.
