Mayor of London Launches the London to Accra Campaign
Source: gov.uk (2025-07-16)

UK leading a new era of diaspora-driven growth in Ghana.

The British High Commission in Accra has officially launched the “London to Accra Economic Growth Campaign” – a bold, series of activities aimed at strengthening economic ties between the UK and Ghana, by leveraging the two countries’ greatest shared asset, the British Ghanaian diaspora.

The launch took place at a vibrant reception attended by the Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, and the Mayor of Accra, Hon. Michael Kpakpo Allotey, alongside 100 entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders from the business communities both in Ghana and the UK.

London to Accra transcends symbolism. It is about unlocking untapped opportunities. The campaign will raise awareness of the role that the British Ghanaian diaspora plays in driving economic growth through their people-to-people connections, creativity and cultural relations between the two cities, London and Accra, and for that matter the two countries, Great Britain and Ghana. It will also highlight the range of support available to help entrepreneurs strengthen their trade and investment activities between the two capitals.

Kicking off with the launch, the campaign will include a series of webinars focused on doing business between the UK and Ghana, a digital storytelling series showcasing diaspora success stories, and a roadshow of diaspora-led businesses in Accra. The culmination of this bold campaign will be the inaugural Diaspora Economic Growth Summit in January 2026 in Accra. This flagship event will serve as both the grand finale and the beginning of a new tradition in diaspora economic collaboration.

Keith McMahon, Chargé d’Affaires of the British High Commission in Accra, set the tone at the launch saying:

The London to Accra campaign is a practical approach to supporting the UK’s growth mission. Our two capitals are not just linked by culture. These connections are increasingly economic, with entrepreneurs building businesses that bridge both capitals and create prosperity in both nations. By strengthening these connections, we are creating new pathways for investment and economic growth that benefit citizens in both countries.

The Mayor of London, Sir Sadiq Khan, emphasised the impact of the Ghanaian community in London, saying:

London’s strength has always been its diversity and our Ghanaian community contributes enormously to our economy, culture, and social fabric. From award-winning musicians to healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and educators – their impact can be felt across every sector. This campaign recognises the crucial role that London plays as a global hub for diaspora engagement and international trade.

The launch event featured a panel discussion with key figures including Ghana’s Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Otchere Darko; Pamela Bassah, Head of Diaspora Relations and Strategic Partnerships at the British High Commission; Dr. Vanessa Apea; CEO of Accra London Health Centre; Giselle Agyare, Country Director of the UK Department for Business and Trade in Ghana; and Shirgade Laryea from the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce. The discussion highlighted the wide range of support available through initiatives such as Growth Gateway.

The campaign follows the success of the annual Diaspora New Year Networking Mixer, which began in January 2023 and has become a cornerstone event for the British Ghanaian community. The 2025 edition attracted over 500 stakeholders from the UK-Ghana diaspora, business community, and Government of Ghana, demonstrating the strong appetite for greater engagement between the two countries.