The United Kingdom has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ghana’s economic growth through sustained and targeted investment in strategic areas of the economy.

Delivering the keynote address at the Study UK Alumni Awards Ghana 2026, the Deputy UK High Commissioner to Ghana, Keith McMahon, said the UK will continue to partner with Ghana to unlock economic opportunities that advance development and prosperity.

“We strongly believe in the potential of the Ghanaian economy. That is why the UK will continue to invest in targeted areas that promote innovation, job creation, and shared economic growth,” Mr McMahon said. He stressed that strengthening trade, investment, and educational collaboration between the two countries remains a key priority.

The event, organised by the British Council, recognises Ghanaian professionals who studied in the United Kingdom and are making meaningful contributions to national development.

Highlighting the importance of the longstanding Ghana–UK partnership, Country Director of the British Council, Nii Doodoo Dodoo, said the programme is crucial in fostering stronger ties between both nations.

“Our partnership with Ghana has never been more relevant. Study UK alumni are playing transformational roles across sectors, driving innovation, leadership, and positive social impact throughout the country,” Mr Dodoo Dodoo said.

Several outstanding Ghanaian professionals were recognised as finalists and winners across multiple categories at the Study UK Alumni Awards Ghana 2026, reflecting the growing impact of UK-educated graduates across science, social development, business, and the creative industry.

In the Science and Sustainability Award category, finalists included Claudia Mary Donkor, a Ghanaian dermatologist and International Sexual and Reproductive Health specialist with the United Nations Population Fund currently coordinating maternal and reproductive health programmes in Syria; Obed Kraine Boachie, an energy policy and regulation specialist at the National Petroleum Authority leading initiatives to expand access to liquefied petroleum gas. Cynthia Amaning Danquah, a professor of Pharmacology at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Principal Investigator for the Centre for Anti-infective Drug Discovery emerged the winner of this category.

The Social Action Award finalists included Matthew Amalitinga Abagna, a research fellow at the Tax Justice Network; Eric Nana Takyi, whose leadership in the Kadjebi District has significantly improved immunisation coverage and maternal health outcomes; and the winner of this category being Maudlyn Akosua Awuku, founder of Anijie Global Foundation, which has empowered more than 60,000 young people across Ghana and the UK.

Vida Adutwumwaa Boateng, a Ghanaian journalist, Head of PR Burniton Musicand entertainment pundit won the Culture, Creativity and Sport Award category. The two other finalists were communications strategist Famous Kwesi Atitsogbe, a public relations professional and communications strategist whose work has spanned media, advertising, education, FMCG, and investment promotion in Ghana and multicultural environments; Robert Klah, the Head of Public Events and Communications at Charterhouse Ghana, where he leads projects including the Telecel Ghana Music Awards.

Meanwhile, the Business and Innovation Award finalists were Barbara Addo Ackonor, who contributed to the rollout of the “My Own Pension” scheme;  Samuel Boakye Dapaah, known for developing eco-friendly anatomical training models from recycled paper waste with Cletus Baalongbuoro, founder of Ponaa Briquettes, emerging as the winner of the category. Ponaa Briquettes is a social enterprise converting agricultural waste into affordable clean cooking fuel in Northern Ghana.

Award winners at the ceremony shared their excitement and gratitude. Several recipients said the recognition has motivated them to continue using their expertise and networks to support national progress. In her remarks after receiving the award, Professor Danquah, winner for the Science and Sustainability Award category emphasised the importance of research and global collaboration in addressing emerging health challenges, noting that international academic exposure continues to strengthen Ghana’s capacity for scientific innovation.

The ceremony was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including Samuel Nartey George, Minister for Communications, Digital Technologies and Innovation; Ellen Hagan, The Chief Executive of L’AINE Services Limited; and Edmund Moukala, head of UNESCO Ghana Office, who joined stakeholders in celebrating the achievements of Ghanaian alumni making global impact.

The Study UK Alumni Awards celebrates excellence in leadership, business, science, culture, and social impact.

Recipients are selected for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields and their ongoing efforts to strengthen UK–Ghana links.