UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has appointed Baroness Kate Hoey as Trade Envoy to Ghana.

The former Labour MP’s appointment comes along with nine other envoys deployed to various countries across the globe. Baroness Kate Hoey is however touted to help bring Ghanaian and British businesses together in a bid to explore new export and investment opportunities.

With her wealth of experience supporting global businesses, she is tipped to perform excellently well.

Following her appointment, Baroness Hoey is tasked to also work closely with the UK in Ghana’s Trade Team. Additionally, she is billed to attend a two-time held annual UK-Ghana Business Council alongside senior representatives from government of Ghana and the UK’s Minister for Africa.

Speaking on her appointment, Director for the UK’s Department for International Trade in Ghana, Lindsey Gilbert-Crouch, expressed optimism over her abilities to deliver.

According to him, the Baroness brings with her some treasured scope of knowledge and experience. This, he believes, will help strengthen and bolster the current mutually prosperous UK-Ghana partnership.

“We look forward to working with Baroness Hoey in her new role as Trade Envoy to Ghana.

“As we look ahead to COP26 in Glasgow later this year, we know that Baroness Hoey will also be interested in Ghana’s work to create a greener and more sustainable business environment.”
Lindsey Gilbert-Crouch

UK’s trade envoys tasked to fulfil global trade agenda

Commenting also on the appointments made by the Prime Minister, UK International Trade Secretary, Liz Truss, revealed that the envoys deployed to the various countries will play a pivotal role in ensuring the creation of opportunities for businesses.

“Our Trade Envoys play a key role in delivering our ambitious global trade agenda, and I am delighted the Prime Minister has appointed ten Trade Envoys who will boost opportunities for businesses in some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.

“As we seek to boost exports, promote investment, and break down barriers to trade, our Trade Envoys will support us to share in the benefits that a closer trading relationship can offer to our businesses and our communities”.
Liz Truss

Baroness Hoey previously served as a Minister of State for the UK government working initially in the UK’s Home Office. She further proceeded to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport. The Baroness also served as a regional MP for Vauxhall in London for 20 years.

Ghana-UK trade relations

In recent times, Ghana and the United Kingdom have developed a strong business relation. In March this year, government signed an interim Trade Partnership Agreement (TPA) with the United Kingdom (UK) to sustain trade relations. The agreement follows the exiting of Britain from the European Union.

The agreement, allows up to £1.2 billion worth of trade between the two sides, replaces the interim Ghana-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which governed trade relations between Ghana, but ceased to apply to the UK on December 31, 2020.

Similarly, the new trade framework provides duty-free-quota access for Ghanaian exports to the UK market. This move is envisioned to enhance the competitiveness of local industries and improve the business environment in Ghana.

In line with the new trade framework, it is also projected to boost development cooperation between the two countries.