The UK is unlocking economic growth and trading opportunities in Ghana as part of its modernised approach to international development.

Development Minister Jenny Chapman visited Ghana this week to showcase how the UK is shifting from being an aid donor to an investor in partner countries.

She revealed that a UK tax partnership helped Ghana generate an additional £100 million in revenue in 2024, which has been invested in public services such as health and education.

The UK’s growth partnership with Ghana has also raised over £125 million to support key sectors including automotive, pharmaceuticals, and garments, creating more than 5,000 jobs.

It has improved the production of essential and advanced medicines and enabled exports of textiles across Africa and to the UK.

UK Minister for International Development, Baroness Chapman, said, “The UK-Ghana partnership is thriving, using innovation and expertise to create opportunities for both our countries.

“Together we are tackling global challenges, and British expertise is helping to unlock opportunities and wealth here, including generating an extra £100 million in tax revenues last year.

“Ghana’s leaders have said they ultimately want a fair opportunity to trade rather than our aid, and our relationship is typical of the UK’s new modernised approach to international development, one where we invest in and work with countries, as partners.”

During her three-day visit, the Minister toured Atlantic Life Sciences, where UK expertise has enabled the production of essential and advanced medicines, including snake venom antiserum.

This is one of 300 active research partnerships between the UK and Ghana, driving innovation and strengthening global health security.

She also visited a garments company supported by British International Investment, one of the largest in the region, providing job opportunities for women and exporting ethically made garments globally.

The Minister visited a school co-funded by the UK that helps children reintegrate into Ghana’s education system.

Also, went to a hospital supported through the Global Fund, providing essential healthcare for diseases such as malaria, tuberculosis, and HIV.

The Minister and President Mahama discussed the UK’s growth and investment partnership with Ghana, which aims to make it easier for businesses to invest and create jobs, while deepening collaborations across the private sector, government, and research institutions.

In a commemorative event, Baroness Chapman honoured the legacy of Arthur Wharton, the world’s first black professional footballer, ahead of the 160th anniversary of his birth next month.

Born in Ghana, Wharton played for Darlington FC. Chapman exchanged tributes with representatives of Ghana’s Football Association, celebrating the enduring relationship between the UK and Ghana built on historical ties, shared values, and strong people-to-people connections.