President John Dramani Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to international trade and investment during a significant courtesy visit by London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan. Speaking on Thursday, President Mahama highlighted a series of strategic reforms initiated within the first six months of his administration aimed at economic transformation and improved governance. These reforms are already yielding promising outcomes, including renewed business confidence, a strengthening Cedi, and a gradually declining inflation rate—critical indicators of Ghana’s growing economic stability amidst global challenges and inherited public debt pressures.
Emphasizing innovation and practical policy approaches, President Mahama introduced the government’s ’24-Hour Economy’ initiative, which draws inspiration from London’s vibrant, continuously active economy. The policy aims to leverage Ghana’s youthful demographic and address rapid urbanization challenges by promoting nonstop economic activities and job opportunities. “We are striving to cultivate a new way of thinking and a fresh approach to governance, ensuring that we effectively serve the people who entrusted us with leadership,” he explained.
The President also spotlighted Ghana’s rapidly developing digital ecosystem. He underscored the country’s readiness to fully join the global FinTech community, citing the emergence of numerous digital services and innovative tech firms across the nation. Additionally, President Mahama reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to agriculture and agribusiness as critical sectors for economic growth and employment creation, especially for the youth.
Discussions during the meeting further emphasized the deep historical and economic connections between Accra and London. President Mahama acknowledged Accra’s fast-paced urban growth and expressed interest in adopting London’s expertise in urban planning, efficient public transport, modern waste management, and flood control systems. “For a city like London, the efficiency of your transport system—even with its challenges—is truly commendable. We aspire to implement similar reliable systems that ensure punctuality for our citizens,” he remarked.
Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan congratulated President Mahama on his re-election and applauded Ghana’s positive trajectory under his leadership. He highlighted the invaluable contributions of the Ghanaian diaspora in London, whose efforts enrich many sectors including healthcare, transportation, and the arts. This visit underscores the strengthening partnership between Ghana and the UK, aiming to foster mutual growth and cooperation.
Source: Graphic Online
