In a significant diplomatic and development-focused engagement, President John Dramani Mahama has hosted the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, at the Jubilee House in Accra.
The meeting, which emphasized cooperation between the cities of Accra and London, was marked by frank discussions on economic recovery, diaspora engagement, digital innovation, and the creation of structured labour migration pathways.
President Mahama, welcoming the London mayor, noted that the British capital holds a special place in the hearts of many Ghanaians. He described London as a global inspiration, particularly in areas such as public transportation and 24-hour commerce.
“London is a city that has a very high favorability rating here in Ghana. A lot of people feel at home when they go to London. One of the inspirations London has for us is its 24-hour economy; it’s a city that never sleeps. At any time of the day or night, London is still open for business, and so there’s a lot that we can share.”
President John Dramani Mahama
He particularly highlighted the efficiency of London’s transportation network and remarked on the gap in public infrastructure between Ghana and the UK.
“Even though I know you still complain, I wonder, what are they complaining about? The buses are coming, the trains are running every time. We don’t have a system where a bus is supposed to be here at 2PM and is actually there at 2PM. So there’s a lot we can learn and work on together.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama took the opportunity to congratulate Mayor Khan on his recent reelection and revealed that he, too, was embarking on a legacy term.
“I also got reelected, and so for me, it’s a legacy term. I just want to do my best for the modern country. We have this reset agenda in all spheres—in the economy, in governance, and in every sector that you can think about. We’re trying to create a new sense of thinking, a new approach to doing things.”
President John Dramani Mahama
From Challenges to Recovery
Reflecting on the challenges Ghana has faced in recent years, President Mahama explained the country’s difficult journey through economic turbulence, including a sovereign debt default.
However, he expressed optimism over Ghana’s recovery trajectory, noting that his administration is reintroducing fiscal and monetary discipline.
“The economy is turning around quite nicely. The local currency has appreciated in value. Inflation is coming down. We hope that with that new environment, it will bring foreign direct investment back into the country.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama also emphasized Ghana’s rising profile in digital innovation and fintech, as well as its agricultural transformation agenda.
“We have quite an active fintech community here. There are a lot of digital services, new companies involved in the digital space. And we have a focus on agribusiness to try to get the young people and the farmers to have a full value chain in terms of production.”
President John Dramani Mahama
Turning to migration, the President highlighted his government’s efforts to provide structured labour opportunities abroad to reduce irregular migration.
“We have a lot of young people—qualified civil engineers, masons, carpenters, caregivers, and so on. We’re trying to stop irregular migration. We’re looking to sign agreements with countries that will take young people on fixed contracts to do some work and come back home.”
President John Dramani Mahama
He said Ghana was already working with Germany, the UAE, and Qatar, and acknowledged that some Ghanaian caregivers had migrated to London. But he warned against unregulated recruitment practices.
“We think that if we do it in a regular manner, they can go, work on fixed contracts, and come back. That will be a better way to do it than the fly-by-night recruiters who come and take them. In several cases, they’ve abandoned them, and they get stranded—it creates a difficulty for everybody.”
President John Dramani Mahama
London Mayor’s Commitment
Mayor Sadiq Khan, who is leading the first trade delegation from a sitting London Mayor to Africa, expressed appreciation for the warm reception his delegation had received and underscored the purpose of the visit as one rooted in partnership and mutual opportunity.
He paid glowing tribute to the Ghanaian community in London, crediting them with helping build the city’s public service and multicultural fabric.
“Sometimes we get blasé about the contribution Londoners of Ghanaian origin make to our great city. That contribution leads me to say with confidence and pride and respect to Accra: we are the greatest city in the world because of that contribution”.
Mayor Sadiq Khan
He underscored that the visit was not about charity but mutual engagement. “We come here not as patrons. We come here as partners because I’ve seen the huge opportunities in Accra, Ghana, and other great cities in Africa,” he explained.
On trade, Mayor Khan noted that commerce between the UK and Ghana was approaching £2 billion annually and is expected to rise as part of broader efforts to increase UK-Africa trade from £50 billion to £60 billion by 2030. “Ghana is integral to us doing that,” he said.
He shared his excitement about launching the Connecting Global Cities: London to Accra initiative alongside the acting British High Commissioner.
The initiative, according to him, is aimed at deepening cooperation between the two capitals, including knowledge exchange, business support, and cultural collaboration.
Mayor Khan also praised the Ghanaian diaspora community in Accra, calling them a “secret weapon” in deepening ties between London and Accra.
“I had the opportunity to meet some of the diaspora, and I was blown away by the talent in the diaspora community in Accra. We have an affection for London and Accra, and I think we should build upon that, Your Excellency.
“My message to Ghanaians is when they come to London, they will hear the word Akwaaba—in terms of us being open to people, to business, to ideas. I’m hoping that we have laid the foundations for a prosperous future going forward.”
Mayor Sadiq Khan
The meeting concluded with both leaders expressing strong enthusiasm for building lasting partnerships that can unlock economic opportunity and inclusive growth for both cities. It marked a symbolic and strategic move to link the global north and south through meaningful city-level cooperation.
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