AfCFTA reinforces Ghana as gateway to Africa – Ghana’s UK High Commissioner at Asante Business Summit

Ghana's Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sabah Zita Benson, emphasized that Ghana's role as a gateway to Africa, due to its hosting of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), strengthens the country's economic position. She highlighted how Ghana can serve as a platform for building, producing, innovating, and expanding into markets across Africa and beyond.

Benson made this statement at a London International Leadership Roundtable during the Asante Business Summit, attended by leaders from various sectors.

The Ambassador recognized the significance of the collaboration with Manhyia Palace, acknowledging the role of traditional leadership in Ghanaian society. She pointed out that the chieftaincy institution has been a source of identity, continuity, and social cohesion in Asanteman. Benson emphasized the importance of aligning traditional institutions, government, private enterprise, and the diaspora to leverage Ghana's strengths.

She urged traditional institutions to provide local legitimacy, continuity, and deep community connections, while the private sector brings capital, innovation, and commercial discipline. The Ghanaian diaspora offers international networks, expertise, and market access. When these elements are combined around credible projects and transparent structures, substantial opportunities arise.

Benson described Ghana as rich in human capital, natural resources, entrepreneurship, culture, and creativity. She identified opportunities in various sectors, including agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, tourism, and the creative economy. To unlock these opportunities, she stressed the need for investment to create jobs, develop skills, strengthen local businesses, and enhance Ghana's competitiveness in domestic, regional, and global markets.

Kumasi and other historic cities in Ghana have long been recognized as centers of commerce, entrepreneurship, craftsmanship, and culture. Benson highlighted the importance of Kumasi and other regions in Ghana's national ambition, stating that success in one part of the country contributes to the overall success of the nation.