The Vice President, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, has noted the significant gains made so far, especially in infrastructure development, resulting from the UK-Ghana Business Council (UKGBC) since its establishment in 2018.
Through the partnership, he said, several infrastructural projects have been undertaken with funding from the UK Export Financing over the last six years.
Some of the projects include the Kumasi International Airport and the Tamale Airpor;, the Eastern Regional Hospital, which is ongoing; reconstruction and modernisation of the 44 year-old Maternity and Children’s Block at the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital in Kumasi.
It also includes Aqua Africa Limited, which is supplying critical water to 16 towns across the country; Obetsebi Lamptey Interchange Phase II; Kejetia Market Phase II; equipping the Bekwai Hospital; and the Tema-Aflao highway.
The Vice President was speaking at the 7th session of the Council in Accra, and said: “There has been significant progress made under the UK-Ghana Business Council. Its setting-up makes a lot of sense”.
Given this, he expressed gratitude to the UK government for the support it continues to offer Ghana, and the cooperation being witnessed from the private sector and investments.
“We look forward to working together, especially as we chart new ground in the area of climate change,” he added.
The UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, Andrew Mitchell, acknowledged the important role UKGBC has played in deepening relations between the two countries, and pledged his country’s commitment to even deeper cooperation.
“I know from my ministerial colleagues, including Penny Mordaunt and Vickie Ford who chaired the last session in London in May, just what a central role the UK Ghana Business Council has played in deepening our bilateral relationship; increasing trade and investment, building partnerships, creating jobs, supporting sustainable growth and building mutual, shared prosperity.
“By focusing on a set of priority sectors, UKGBC has helped us target the areas where we can collectively make the biggest difference. I am delighted that today we will be able to hear about progress across those sectors, particularly in the auto and energy sectors. I had a chance this morning to visit the auto sector and see for myself what is going on,” he emphasised.
Mr. Mitchell was accompanied by UK Trade Envoy to Ghana, Baroness Kate Hoey, and UK High Commissioner to Ghana, Ms. Harriet Thompson.
