Reflecting on 2025

The festive season is here again—that wonderful time to hit pause, take a breath, and truly appreciate the joy that comes from our families, friends, and the wider community.

As 2025 draws to a close, I find myself thinking back to the beginning of the year.  In my New Year message, I was crystal clear: the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (UKGCC) was committed to fuelling the growth of our member companies, deepening our strategic partnerships, and ultimately, strengthening the incredible UK-Ghana trade relationship.  I am genuinely delighted to say we have held fast to that promise all year long.

This has been a year full of meaningful progress and strategic wins.  These achievements are thanks to the passion and dedication of our distinguished member companies, our partners, sponsors, stakeholders, and of course, the powerhouse team we have at the UKGCC.

So, with a heart full of gratitude for everything we have accomplished and genuine optimism for what is next, I invite you to join me for a quick look back at our journey this year.

Business Advocacy

Our business advocacy work continued to be the cornerstone of our mission in 2025.  We deepened engagement with policy institutions, facilitated direct access for our member companies, and convened strategic conversations that strengthened our collective voice within Ghana’s business environment.

This year, due to the transition from one British High Commissioner to another, the UKGCC only hosted three (3) Platinum Member CEOs Breakfast Meetings with the British High Commissioner.  These high-level engagements featured distinguished guests including:

1. Professor Michael Kpessa–Whyte, Director-General, State Interests and Governance Authority (SIGA)
2. David Ofosu-Dorte, Senior Partner, AB & David Africa
3. Representing the Governor, we hosted Mr. Owusu Ankoma, Assistant Director, Banking Supervision Department, Bank of Ghana

The participation of our distinguished guests offered valuable insights into governance, business regulation, and the broader economic landscape, enabling meaningful dialogues on issues fundamental to business growth and stability.

In addition, in partnership with the British High Commission, Accra, British Airways, Platinum member company, the UKGCC hosted an exclusive Platinum Member Breakfast Meeting, further strengthening dialogue on coming trends in trade.

2025 marked a significant milestone in our research and data-led advocacy.

• The 2024 edition of our Business Environment & Competitiveness Survey (BECS) report was launched on 16 January 2025.

• The 2025 edition, released on 1 December 2025, recorded a remarkable 40 per cent increase in participation, from 725 respondents in 2024 to 1,016 respondents this year, representing 22 industries.

Findings from the UKGCC 2025 BECS report reflects a cautiously positive outlook.  Businesses identified signs of stabilisation driven by lower inflation, currency stability, and declining interest rates, with notable improvements in infrastructure, telecommunications, management capacity, and political stability.

The UKGCC BECS report continues to be an instrumental advocacy tool, informing government policy, influencing regulatory discourse, and providing evidence-based insight for both the public and private sectors.

We extend our sincere appreciation to Maverick Research for their exceptional data collection work and to PwC Ghana, Platinum member company, for the rigorous analysis and reporting undertaken for the 2024 and 2025 editions of the survey.

To ensure even broader representation of private-sector interests, we facilitated engagement across key sectors through nine sector committees including: Financial Services; Telecommunications/IT/Education; Hospitality, Travel & Tourism; Extractives & Allied Services; Legal; Logistics & Manufacturing; Design, Construction & Infrastructure; Business Advisory Services; and Agribusiness.

We concluded the year with the Extractives and Allied Services Sector engagement with the Petroleum Hub Development Corporation (PHDC) bringing together representatives of our member companies to discuss opportunities and policy direction within Ghana’s extractives space.

These initiatives further our commitment to building an informed and influential private-sector voice.

Also on advocacy, we hosted eight (8) advocacy-focused webinars through our Quarterly Tax Dialogue Series with UKGCC Platinum member company, PwC Ghana, and the Mandatory Regulatory Compliance Series with UKGCC Sterling member company, WTS Nobisfields.

We are grateful to the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA), Crocodile Machetes, Cyber Security Authority Ghana (CSA), Minerals Commission, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Ghana Customs, Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), JLD & MB Legal Consultancy, and the Ministry of Finance for their participation, which ensured that our audiences continued to receive practical insight and direct guidance on regulatory and compliance issues throughout the year.

Capacity Building

Through a series of learning sessions, technical engagements, and knowledge-sharing engagements, the UKGCC continued to provide members companies and the public with insight and practical guidance to navigate emerging trends, policy shifts, and new market opportunities.

In 2025, we delivered a rich portfolio of capacity-building programmes, including the ESG Series in collaboration with UKGCC Sterling member company, KPMG Ghana.  Members and the public also benefited from the Quarterly Deloitte Investment Readiness Business Series, sector-focused insights from EY Ghana, British International Investment, the Virtual University Webinar with the British Council, UK Export Academy sessions, Myth-Busting UK Visa Applications with Shillon Services LTD. (Bronze member company), insights on What Shoppers Expect with Maverick Research, and engagements with the University of Manchester’s Alliance Business School, Ghana International Bank (GHIB), and the UK Department for Business and Trade.  We also introduced a new Quarterly Digitalisation Series with EY Ghana with the first session focused on AI.

These sessions reflected a deliberate effort to broaden our learning agenda across key areas including digital transformation, export readiness, environmental sustainability, and workforce development, ensuring that member companies are better positioned for growth within an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Stakeholder Engagement

In strengthening our role as a conduit between the private sector and policy institutions and the government, 2025 saw the UKGCC deepen collaboration with government agencies, development partners, and international organisations.  Our engagement agenda remained focused on creating platforms that enable informed dialogue and enhanced policy understanding for our member companies.

Throughout the year, we participated in and co-hosted a number of strategic stakeholder activities, including the Seminar on Building SME Capacity for Global Markets with Ghana International Bank (GHIB).

We also participated in the Diaspora Mixer, hosted by the British High Commission, Accra, the Validation Workshop on the AfCFTA Import-Export Guide, the Capacity Building Workshop on the AfCFTA Investment Protocol, the EU Chamber Business Breakfast, the UK Trade Envoy to Ghana Dinner Meeting, the 2025 Stakeholder Consultation on the UN Common Country Analysis (CCA), the 3rd Ghana–EU Business Forum, the Launch of the London to Accra Campaign, engagements with the Ghana Education Trust Fund, and the Ghana Research & Industry Collaborative (GRIC) Annual Forum.

We were also pleased to join conversations at the North and Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce International Trade Forum, among others, reflecting the increasing global visibility of the UKGCC network.

These engagements also ensured that the perspectives of our member companies continued to shape policy conversations, regulatory dialogue, and the broader business ecosystem at national and international levels.

Networking

As part of our commitment to creating networks and connecting businesses, 2025 saw the UKGCC deliver a diverse calendar of networking events curated to cultivate meaningful relationships and bring together leaders across sectors.

The year began with our third Corporate Sports Jamboree, promoting camaraderie and wellness among employees of member companies.

In March, we commemorated International Women’s Day with the British High Commission, Accra, under the global theme, Accelerate Action, followed in April by our Jazz & Heritage Networking Event.

In October, we hosted an exclusive dinner with Barclays International Banking, Platinum member company, for select UKGCC members and stakeholders.

As part of the global pink October commemoration, we hosted a Breast Cancer Awareness Event in partnership with the British High Commission, Accra, and the Diagnostic Centre LTD., UKGCC member company.  We closed out October with another Breast Cancer Awareness Event with Goldkey Properties, UKGCC Platinum member company, honouring the courage of breast cancer survivors.

In November, we celebrated the event we all looked forward to, our most impactful networking moment of the year, the 2025 End-of-Year Gala Dinner and UK–Ghana Business Awards to recognise the businesses shaping UK–Ghana relations.

We extend our warmest congratulations to all our award recipients, including GCB Bank PLC (Best Tax Payer Award), IT Consortium LTD. (Most Dynamic UKGCC Member Company Award), Vivo Energy Ghana (Decades of UK–Ghana Business Partnership Award, Most Outstanding UK Business in Ghana Award, and Economic Impact Award), and Cyndex LTD. (Social Impact Award).

We concluded the year with the UK-Ghana Sports Day in partnership with the British High Commission, Accra, celebrating sporting diversity in honour of the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward.  We also partnered the Head of State Golf Tournament to deliver a networking golf experience for business leaders, and were honoured to have His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Ghana, John Dramani Mahama, who performed the ceremonial tee-off.

We remain grateful to all our sponsors, including Standard Chartered Ghana PLC, Vivo Energy Ghana, Blue Skies Products, Telecel Ghana, KGL Group, Fidelity Bank Ghana, Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast City, Accra, Guinness Ghana Breweries PLC, TheAfrican Regent Hotel, The Royal Senchi Hotel, Neon Acres, Audio Visuals Systems, QGMI Construction UK, Aphro Spirits, Open Spaces Sports Group, The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ghana LTD, Accra Brewery PLC, Voltic (GH) LTD., Decathlon, East Airport International School, First Bank Ghana, Ronor Motors, and Lucozade Ghana for their collaboration throughout this year.

Trade Services

The UKGCC continued its trade facilitation mandate throughout 2025, delivering strategic initiatives that advanced exporter readiness, unlocked new market opportunities, and strengthened bilateral trade between Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK).

We commenced the year with the implementation of the UK–Ghana Trade Partnership Agreement (TPA), coordinating awareness workshops for exporters and importers in both the UK and Ghana, supported by a baseline study undertaken by PwC Ghana.

In March, we delivered activities under the UK Government–backed Sankore Programme led by the West Africa Research and Innovation Hub (WARIH), including a networking reception, pre-launch workshop, and an Investor Readiness and Commercialisation live pitch.  We congratulate the SMEs progressing to the next phase of the project.

Still in March, we hosted a Fireside Chat on Ghana’s proposed 24-Hour Economy and Accelerated Export Development Programme, in partnership with the Ghana Jobs for Economic Transformation (JET) Programme.  The conversation created a platform for businesses to engage with policymakers and explore opportunities under the government’s economic transformation agenda.

In June, we facilitated UKGCC’s participation at London Tech Week by securing VIP lounge access, complimentary entry to side events, and an exclusive contacts directory, enabling direct exposure to global investors and innovators.

In September, we partnered the Jewellers Association of Ghana to deliver the Jewellers & Artisans Roadshow to the UK.  Delegates included representatives from Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), Ghana Gold Board, and the Ghana High Commission, London, UK.  The mission showcased Ghana’s emerging jewellery ecosystem and created new linkages for value-added gold products within the UK retail and design space.

Also in September, we participated in Africa Oil Week (AOW) 2025 in Accra, a major upstream oil and gas platform connecting investors, policymakers, and energy operators across the continent.

Still in September, we hosted an in-bound mission from the UK in partnership with DMA Trade Invest, the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO), UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT), and Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy Secretariat.  The mission opened with the UK–Ghana Trade and Investment Forum, convening over 30 UK businesses and approximately 100 Ghanaian businesses, and concluded with an evening reception marking the first external engagement of His Excellency, the new British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Christian Rogg.  Courtesy calls were subsequently paid to the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry, Ministry of Health, and Ministry of Roads and Highways.

In October, we led a high-level Ghanaian delegation to AFSIC – Investing in Africa 2025 in London, one of the continent’s most influential investment platforms. The mission enabled delegates to access investor networks and curated opportunities, while further positioning the UKGCC as a conduit for global commercial collaboration.

We also delivered the Garments and Textiles Roadshow to the UK with delegation support from Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA), FCDO, and Palladium–Ghana Jobs for Economic Transformation.  The roadshow opened new export and buyer linkages for delegates, and reaffirmed the UKGCC’s mandate of creating networks, connecting businesses, and advancing UK–Ghana trade partnership.

Doing Good with our Annual Charity Fundraiser

In keeping with our annual commitment to giving back to the community, we hosted our Annual Charity Fundraiser campaign in support of the Princess Marie Louise Children’s Hospital, with proceeds directed toward the provision of neonatal incubators and monitors for critically ill newborns.

We extend our profound appreciation to all organisations and individuals who contributed to this life-changing initiative.  Your generosity will help save lives and giving vulnerable infants the medical care they urgently need.

We also thank our sponsors who provided gift vouchers for our raffle winners, including Efata by Juba, Vidya Bookstore, SubBox GH, Viva Accra, and Fame Jewellery Ghana.

The campaign is still ongoing and we are still accepting donations.

Support from our local and international partners

We remain deeply grateful to our partners and institutional collaborators whose support continues to anchor our work and strengthen our impact throughout the year.  Our appreciation goes to the British High Commission, Accra, Ghana High Commission, United Kingdom, the global network of British Chambers of Commerce, and the European Chamber of Commerce Ghana for their consistent partnership and engagement.

Our deepest gratitude goes to our media stakeholders, especially the Multimedia Group LTD., the Graphic Communications Group LTD., Trade Facilitators International, and the numerous media houses (Businessweek Ghana, Investment Times, CediRates, Business24, GTV, UTV, and Business & Financial Times) who provided coverage for our events.  Thank you for your partnership and support.

Special mention goes to the Institute of Economic and Financial Journalists (IFEJ), who partnered with us again this year to commemorate World Press and Freedom Day themed, Reporting in the Brave New World: The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Press Freedom and the Media.  Together with IFEJ, we visited our Platinum member company, IT Consortium LTD., here in Accra to help the media in Ghana gain first-hand experience of a leading tech company, their opportunities, and challenges.

We also express our sincere appreciation to the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Accra for their invaluable partnership.  Their collaboration continues to strengthen our ability to expand impact and further ties between stakeholders across key sectors.

We are particularly grateful for the renewed mandate from the UK’s FCDO to manage their Ghana Revenue Programme, a responsibility we do not take lightly.

Appreciation: The Power of Our Community

Our progress this year would not have been possible without the remarkable support of our member companies.  Thank you for placing your trust in us and for believing in the value of the work we do at the UKGCC.  Your active participation is what truly powers our mission.

A big thank you, as always, to our Honorary Patrons, our Executive Council and our UK-based Advisory Board for their invaluable guidance.

We also want to acknowledge the immense contributions of His Excellency the immediate past Ghana High Commissioner to the UK, Papa Owusu-Ankomah, and Her Excellency the immediate past British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, during their tenures.  We wish them all the very best in the new endeavours!

A warm, official welcome to our new Honorary Patrons, His Excellency, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Dr. Christian Rogg and Her Excellency, the Ghana High Commissioner to the UK & Northern Ireland!  We are thrilled to work closely with both to advance the UK-Ghana trade partnership.

Finally, to the incredible UKGCC Team—Sara-Adelaide, Worlase, Joshua, Joscelyne, Pearl, Immaculata, Shirgade, Jessica, and Anthony—every single milestone achieved this year was thanks to your energy, professionalism, and passion.  Thank you for consistently going above and beyond; you truly make all the difference.

Looking Ahead to 2026

As we wrap up 2025, I am filled with so much pride and gratitude for the significant strides we’ve made.  This year has been a powerful reminder of the extraordinary potential embedded in our shared mission of boosting trade between the UK and Ghana.

We look to 2026 with renewed focus and great excitement, ready to build on the momentum we have created, deliver even deeper value to our members, and explore brand new opportunities for UK-Ghana trade and investment.  There is a lot more on the horizon, and I cannot wait to continue this journey with all of you.

On behalf of the UK-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, I wish you and your families a truly joyful and peaceful Christmas.  May the New Year bring you renewed hope, great health, and much prosperity.

Merry Christmas — and let’s make 2026 even brighter!