Ghana remains committed to the principle of constructive diplomacy, regional solidarity – Zita Benson

Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and Ireland, Sabah Zitah Benson, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to constructive diplomacy, regional solidarity, and inclusive economic growth, describing the country as a beacon of stability and cooperation within the sub-region.

She made the remarks at the launch of the UK–Africa Approach, an initiative aimed at deepening cooperation between the United Kingdom and African countries through mutual respect, shared interests, and equal partnerships. The framework is expected to unlock the continent’s vast potential across multiple sectors, including economic development, tourism, trade, and culture.

The High Commissioner noted that Ghana’s diplomatic posture aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s emphasis on dialogue and bridge-building, including engagement with Sahel countries currently under military rule, which he continues to regard as integral to Africa’s broader goals of cooperation and economic self-reliance. A further reference is Ghana’s recent diplomatic dispute with Israel, a demonstration of the country’s firm commitment to reciprocity, national dignity, and the protection of its citizens abroad.

During her address, Madam Benson stressed that Africa engages the global community as a continent of opportunity rather than dependency. She underscored the need to reset long-standing perceptions of Africa as merely a recipient of aid, highlighting instead its growing contributions to global trade, innovation, and development partnerships.

Welcoming closer UK–Africa collaboration, she stated that Africa’s vision for sustainable, long-term transformation is rooted in partnership and shared prosperity, principles that closely align with the objectives of the UK–Africa Approach. She identified sustained engagement, mutual prosperity, and strategic investment as critical dividends of effective multilateral cooperation.

“Distinguished guests, these priorities represent Africa’s vision for sustainable, long-term transformation, one grounded in partnership and shared prosperity. In this regard, we welcome the United Kingdom’s new UK–Africa Approach. Its emphasis on sustained engagement, mutual prosperity, and strategic investment aligns closely with Africa’s vision for collaboration,” she said.

She highlighted that the renewed partnership signals a collective commitment to engaging African nations on a level playing field, where shared perspectives and mutual priorities guide cooperation. According to her, strengthening collaboration in trade, innovation, and development financing will be essential to shaping a more balanced and forward-looking UK–Africa relationship.

The UK–Africa Approach was shaped through an extensive consultation process launched in November 2024 by the UK Foreign Secretary, aimed at redefining the UK’s relationship with African partners based on mutual priorities and respect. Over a five-month period, the UK sought to listen rather than prescribe, signalling a shift away from traditional one-size-fits-all engagement towards a more responsive and partnership-driven framework.

Between November 2024 and May 2025, the consultation was carried out across 51 UK High Commissions and Embassies worldwide, including 40 across Africa. These engagements involved discussions with 47 national governments, 25 multilateral institutions and UN agencies, and were reinforced by 25 UK ministerial visits. The scale of the outreach reflected the UK’s intent to ground its Africa policy in lived realities and country-specific contexts.

Parallel consultations within the UK broadened the scope of perspectives feeding into the approach. Over 90 civil society organisations, academics from more than 70 universities and think tanks, 60 British and African businesses—including firms from the creative industries, and 35 diaspora organisations were engaged. A consistent message emerged: African partners want the UK to support priorities defined by Africans themselves, particularly those aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, while recognising the continent’s diversity and the limits of UK capacity.

Economic growth that delivers jobs stood out as a central pillar of the emerging approach. African partners emphasised the need for increased productivity, high-quality employment, and economic diversification beyond commodity dependence. Sectors such as agriculture, extractives, manufacturing, technology, and services were highlighted as critical to building resilient economies capable of withstanding global shocks. Trade, both with the UK and within Africa, was seen as essential, with strong support for initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Investment and finance featured prominently in the consultations, alongside calls for reform of the international financial system. While UK investment was widely regarded as high-quality and transparent, concerns were raised about risk aversion among UK companies and barriers such as visa restrictions that hinder business engagement. African partners also called for stronger UK advocacy within global institutions to address debt distress, expand access to finance, and amplify Africa’s voice in global economic governance.

Beyond economics, the consultations underscored the importance of climate action, security, governance, and people-to-people ties in shaping the UK–Africa relationship. African partners recognised the UK’s strengths in diplomacy, climate leadership, education, science, and soft power, but urged deeper, longer-term, and more equitable partnerships. Taken together, these insights formed the foundation of the UK–Africa Approach, one rooted in listening, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to sustainable growth, stability, and opportunity.

Source: Diplomatic Times