British Chargé d’affaires to Ghana Thomas Hartley joined President Nana Akufo-Addo in the Eastern Region as the first sods were cut to begin the construction of the new Koforidua Hospital.
The UK Government, through UK Export Finance (UKEF), has provided £54 million worth of support to the new hospital that will double healthcare provision across the Eastern Region. Koforidua Hospital will not only provide beds for more than 250 patients but support the training of Ghana’s future doctors and nurses, helping to resolve staffing challenges in rural areas, particularly as the country continues to respond to and recover from COVID-19.
Throughout the pandemic the UK and Ghana have worked together to save lives, support business and industry and find ways to lessen the spread of coronavirus. UK contributions to the World Bank and IMF have also ensured £450,000 has supported the production of COVID-19 medicines and test kits in Ghana, training for more than 2,000 health workers and provided medical equipment for more than 300 health facilities across the country.
In June the British High Commission convened the fourth UK Ghana Business Council. This was attended over video link by his Excellency Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, UK Minister for Africa James Duddridge and British High Commissioner Iain Walker. The Council discussed the importance of sustained collaboration between the UK and Ghana, working to support and rebuild the country in the wake of COVID-19.
Speaking after the sod-cutting event British Chargé d’affaires to Ghana Thomas Hartley said: “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, and now as we continue to respond and recover from the virus, I am proud that the UK and Ghana have worked shoulder-to-shoulder to save lives, support business and industry and share expertise to lessen the spread of coronavirus.
At today’s sod-cutting ceremony I saw the UK-Ghana partnership in action once again, resulting in a hospital which will change healthcare provision across the Eastern Region for the first time in more than 100 years.”
Continuing to respond to and champion Ghana’s beyond aid agenda, this year UKEF has already supported work on the Kumasi teaching hospital and Kumasi airport, highlighting the UK’s commitment to the long term success of Ghana, ensuring the country stands as a prosperous and healthy regional leader.
Every year the UK exports millions of pounds worth of goods to Ghana, bolstering the country’s economy and helping to secure business and export opportunities for UK companies in healthcare, sanitation and transport projects across the country.
The UK government is committed to growing trade opportunities for British companies in Ghana and across the African continent, already UKEF is backing projects in 24 countries including Ghana. The UK will continue to work with the Government of Ghana to support post-COVID economic recovery, ensuring that UK companies are able to access the economic benefits that the Ghanaian market offers.
