The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Christian Rogg, has highlighted the depth of economic cooperation between Ghana and the United Kingdom, stating that decades of investment and commercial engagement have created a strong platform for future growth.
Speaking at the Ghana UK Investment Summit in London, the High Commissioner welcomed delegates from Ghana and stressed that the gathering was aimed at creating fresh opportunities for investors while accelerating trade between the two countries. He noted that the summit was taking place with a clear objective of strengthening economic ties and expanding business collaboration.
The UK Envoy explained that both countries were looking ahead to new opportunities while relying on an already established partnership that has delivered benefits across several sectors of the Ghanaian economy. Rogg pointed out that British companies have contributed significantly to Ghana’s development through investments in finance, manufacturing, infrastructure, energy and agribusiness.
“The UK Ghana partnership is already thriving. We want to create new opportunities for investors and accelerate trade between our two countries.”
Christian Rogg
The High Commissioner cited the long standing presence of Standard Chartered in Ghana, noting that the bank had operated in the country for 130 years and remains a symbol of confidence in the economy. He also referenced Unilever’s contribution to industrialisation, local value addition and employment generation through its manufacturing operations.
Infrastructure development also featured prominently in his remarks. Rogg observed that British involvement had supported projects including the airport terminals in Kumasi and Tamale, alongside roads, bridges and market facilities that continue to serve communities across the country.
The UK Envoy further pointed to developments within the energy sector. He recalled that Tullow and its partners discovered the Jubilee oil field in 2007, a milestone that helped establish Ghana as a commercial oil producer and opened a new chapter in the country’s economic development.
Agribusiness, meanwhile, was presented as another area of successful collaboration. The High Commissioner noted that Blue Skies employs thousands of Ghanaians and exports fresh fruits directly to supermarkets in the United Kingdom within 48 hours of processing.
He also highlighted the work of Bunge Ghana in supporting more than 100,000 farmers through fertiliser supply, soil testing and agronomic assistance. Additionally, Rogg mentioned that The Body Shop UK has sourced shea butter from women’s cooperatives in the Northern Region for more than three decades, while Hawker Apparel has begun producing uniforms for Astro George.
The British Commissioner emphasised that these investments have improved livelihoods and created employment opportunities across the country. He disclosed that more than 670 UK foreign direct investment projects have been undertaken in Ghana over the past two decades, generating over 44,000 jobs and reinforcing confidence in the country’s economic prospects.
The High Commissioner added that UK foreign direct investment in Ghana reached £1.8 billion last year, while bilateral trade continued to record significant value. He argued that such figures demonstrate the resilience of the relationship and provide a solid foundation for future commercial expansion between the two nations.
New Investment Drive Targets Jobs, Infrastructure and Growth
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Christian Rogg, further announced a series of investment initiatives designed to unlock capital, expand infrastructure and support Ghana’s economic transformation through practical projects.
Addressing participants at the Ghana UK Investment Summit in London, Rogg stated that attention was now shifting from past achievements to future delivery. The UK Envoy indicated that investors have received strong signals about Ghana’s commitment to economic stability, reforms and growth, supported by programmes aimed at infrastructure development, export expansion and increased productivity.
The High Commissioner argued that the focus should now be on converting investment opportunities into completed projects. He explained that the United Kingdom intended to support that objective through financing, market access and partnerships that connect investors with viable ventures.
Rogg disclosed that British International Investment, UK Export Finance and the Private Infrastructure Development Group currently hold investments worth about half a billion pounds in Ghana. He noted that these institutions continue to provide capital for projects capable of generating long term economic returns.
The UK Envoy also highlighted the role of the City of London in mobilising international finance for Ghanaian ventures. He cited MiDA Plantation’s planned listing on the London Stock Exchange involving an £85 million UK Ghana Green Fund designed to channel resources into environmentally sustainable projects.
In addition, the High Commissioner referenced Rainforest’s £9 million forest restoration initiative in the Ashanti Region. He explained that such projects demonstrate how capital markets can support innovation while advancing environmental objectives.
He spoke about the launch of the UK Ghana Growth Partnership. Rogg said the initiative would connect Ghana’s pipeline of projects with British and international investors while helping move discussions towards implementation and financial closure.
“It is not simply a statement of intent. It is a practical approach to connect opportunities with capital and move from conversations to delivery.”
Christian Rogg
The British Commissioner further announced what he described as the largest investment undertaken by the Private Infrastructure Development Group to date. The project involves a £101 million ship repair and dry docking facility at Takoradi Port, expected to create up to 430 jobs, with women projected to occupy nearly a third of the positions.
Rogg acknowledged the contribution of PIDG and Shipwright to the project and said the facility would strengthen Ghana’s maritime sector and reinforce its position as a regional hub. He also announced the launch of a Green Project Preparation Facility in partnership with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund, a programme expected to unlock up to £180 million in infrastructure transactions involving UK firms over the next three years.
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