In a landmark diplomatic engagement, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama at Jubilee House in Accra on July 16, 2025, as part of his historic five-day African trade and cultural mission.
The meeting underscored a shared commitment to strengthening bilateral ties between Ghana and the United Kingdom, with a focus on trade, education, innovation, and diaspora collaboration.
Khan’s visit to Ghana marks the first time a sitting Mayor of London has led a trade delegation to Africa, positioning Accra as a strategic partner in London’s global outreach.
The Mayor was accompanied by a delegation of 27 London-based companies under the Grow London Global programme, seeking partnerships in Ghana’s fast-growing sectors such as fintech, creative industries, renewable energy, and youth entrepreneurship.
“Africa has the world’s fastest growing populations and is seeing major economic growth across many of its economies.
Over the next decade, there are huge opportunities to deepen partnerships with London,” Khan stated during the visit.
During the closed-door meeting, President Mahama and Mayor Khan discussed, Expanding UK–Ghana trade, which reached £1.4 billion in 2024, Enhancing diaspora engagement, especially among British-Ghanaians, Collaborating on urban development, with Accra and London sharing best practices in transport, housing, and climate resilience, Supporting youth innovation hubs and exchange programs between Ghanaian and London-based entrepreneurs
President Mahama praised the visit as “a reaffirmation of Ghana’s global relevance and a testament to our enduring friendship with the people of London.”
Khan’s visit also celebrated Ghana’s cultural footprint in London, where the Ghanaian community ranks among the top 30 fastest-growing populations between 2001 and 2021.
The Mayor acknowledged the role of African heritage in shaping London’s identity, from music and fashion to business and politics.
Earlier in the day, Khan addressed students at the University of Ghana, hosted by Imperial College London, which recently opened Imperial Global Ghana, a permanent hub for science, innovation, and entrepreneurship.
The Mayor engaged with youth leaders and startup founders, emphasizing the power of education to drive change across continents.
“International students bring over £60 billion in benefits to the UK economy. Their contribution to our education system, innovation, and community life cannot be overstated,” Khan remarked during his keynote.
The visit also coincided with the launch of the London to Accra Economic Growth Campaign, spearheaded by the British High Commission. The initiative aims to Leverage diaspora connections for trade and investment, Promote media and education exchange programs, Host the inaugural Diaspora Economic Growth Summit in Accra in January 2026
Mayor Khan and Accra Mayor Michael Kpakpo Allotey also announced plans for a global memorial site in Accra to honor victims of the Transatlantic Slave Trade.
The monument will be linked to London’s upcoming memorial, “The Wake,” designed by artist Khaleb Brooks.
“This historic artwork will directly connect to the landmark memorial we are creating in London, providing a place to educate people about the capital’s role in this terrible episode in human history,” Khan said.
As the trade mission continues, stakeholders from both countries are optimistic that this visit will catalyze long-term partnerships rooted in mutual respect, shared history, and inclusive development.
From Jubilee House to university halls and cultural landmarks, the Mayor’s presence in Ghana signals a renewed era of city-to-city diplomacy, diaspora empowerment, and global solidarity.
Story Written By Prince Asante Kwarteng | Kobby Kyei News
