Story: SIFAT COMMUNICATIONS, Peterborough - England

The United Kingdom businesses in Ghana have seen more than ten percent growth within the last two years indicating that Ghana remains a prosperous business hub for foreign investment.

The growth, which is seen as an effort from both Ghanaians living in the UK and non-Ghanaian businesses is registered mainly in the property, construction, Information Technology and Agro-Processing sectors among others.

Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Professor Kwaku Danso Boafo, disclosed this at the inauguration of the Ghanaian Association of Peterborough in England.

The occasion saw a large crowd including the Mayor of the city, Councillor Paula Thacker and The Member of Parliament for the area, Mr. Stewart Jackson who were treated to Ghanaian music and dishes.

Relatively few in number, the Ghanaians residing in Peterborough have great desire in achieving for themselves and country a high tourism and investment ventures in Ghana.

The aim of the association, therefore, among other things, is to organise trips periodically to Ghana to help boost tourism and investment.

Professor Danso Boafo acknowledged that the reason why Ghana has seen much business growth in the recent past than any other African country is the relative peace and tranquillity that the nation currently enjoys.

He said within last year alone 15 new UK companies were set up in Ghana in the gas and petroleum sector, aquatic farming, manufacturing among others. “This among other factors has made our economy one of the fastest growing in the world.” He observed.

He added that government programmes and policies relating to trade, tourism and investment are all favourable to investors and by this the Government of Ghana has highlighted opportunities for genuine investors.

The Ghanaian Envoy observed that many Ghanaian companies are looking for overseas partners because they are keen on doing business with UK companies, whose goods are associated with quality. “UK standards and procedures are still widely applicable in Ghana.” He added.

“We have therefore initiated and supported measures that will, enhance the investment climate in the country for both Ghanaian and non-Ghanaian companies.” Professor Danso Boafo noted

This according to the High Commissioner includes the identification of trade opportunities and finding local trading partners for foreign investors. He said his outfit has organised investment forums with other stakeholders to help matchup Ghanaian and foreign investors.

He congratulated the group for their foresight and commitment to help develop Ghana. He assured them of his office’s support and assistance to help them achieve their aims.

The Chairman of the association, Dr. Peter Owusu-Agyei, said many people living in the area have special interest in Ghana and the association is taking the advantage to provide organised trips to promote Ghanaian tourism in the area.

He said exhibitions on Ghana would be organised for the people to sensitise them of the tourism and investment potentials in Ghana.

Both the Member of Parliament for the area and the Mayor expressed their desire to assist the association in its endeavours. They recounted the relationship between the two countries and said such venture by the association would not only foster the relationship but will also open more avenues for investment and business between the two countries.

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