UK Minister’s visit to Ghana showcases new modernised development approach
Development Minister Jenny Chapman visited Ghana to see how the UK is evolving from an aid donor to an investor in partner countries.
- UK is moving from an aid donor to an investor in partner countries, Development Minister says on first visit to Ghana.
- Jenny Chapman visited UK-backed businesses in Accra which are unlocking economic opportunities and jobs for both countries.
- The UK’s partnership with Ghana on tax helped generate £100m in extra revenue in 2024.
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 (9-11 September) to see how the UK is evolving from an aid donor to an investor in partner countries.
The Minister revealed how tax expertise provided by the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and HMRC helped Ghana generate an additional £100 million in revenue in 2024. Ghana can invest this additional revenue into public services like health and education.
The UK’s growth partnership with Ghana has also helped raise over £125 million to support key sectors like automotive, pharmaceuticals, and garments, creating over 5,000 jobs. The partnership 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 anti-serum. This is one of 300 active research partnerships between the UK and Ghana, which are driving innovation and global health security.
She also visited:
- A garments company supported by British International Investment (UK’s development finance institution) - one of the largest in the region providing job opportunities for women, and exporting ethically-made garments globally;
- A school that helps children back into Ghana’s education system, co-funded by the UK;
- A hospital supported by the UK through the Global Fund that provides essential healthcare for diseases like malaria, tuberculosis and HIV.
The Minister and President Mahama discussed the UK’s growth and investment partnership with Ghana that benefits both countries. This includes making it easier for businesses to invest and create jobs and developing partnerships between the two countries - across private sector, government and research.
Finally, in a touching 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. He was born in Ghana and played for Darlington FC.
Baroness Chapman exchanged tributes with representatives of Ghana’s Football Association and celebrated the enduring relationship between the UK and Ghana - built on historical ties, shared values, and vibrant people-to-people connections.
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