Mahama pays courtesy call on King Charles III

President John Dramani Mahama has concluded a five-day diplomatic and investment-focused visit to the United Kingdom with a courtesy call on King Charles III at Buckingham Palace.

The meeting between the Ghanaian President and the British Monarch took place behind closed doors and marked the culmination of a visit aimed at deepening diplomatic relations, attracting investment, and strengthening economic cooperation between Ghana and the United Kingdom.

King Charles III, who serves as the constitutional Head of State of the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth, plays a key ceremonial and diplomatic role within Britain's constitutional system.

Prior to the Buckingham Palace audience, President Mahama held bilateral discussions with British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at 10 Downing Street, where both leaders explored opportunities to enhance Ghana-UK relations and expand economic collaboration.

The President also engaged members of the Ghanaian diaspora during a town hall meeting in London, where he outlined his administration’s development agenda and reiterated the government's commitment to involving Ghanaians abroad in national development efforts.

As part of the visit, President Mahama officially opened the Ghana-UK Investment Summit and declared Ghana open for business, highlighting the country’s investment opportunities and economic potential.

A major outcome of the summit was the signing of the UK-Ghana Growth Partnership, a strategic framework designed to guide cooperation between the two countries from 2026 to 2028.

The partnership is expected to facilitate investment and commercial agreements worth up to £215 million, creating opportunities for businesses and contributing to economic growth in both countries.

President Mahama also addressed policymakers, academics, and business leaders at Chatham House on the theme, “Navigating a Changing Global Order: Ghana’s Strategic Priorities,” where he outlined Ghana’s vision for a more inclusive and representative global system.

In a show of support for Ghanaian entrepreneurs abroad, the President visited two Ghanaian-owned businesses in Tottenham — Uncle John Bakery and Waakye Joint — and commended their contribution to promoting Ghanaian enterprise in the United Kingdom.

On the final day of his visit, President Mahama presided over the Market Open ceremony at the London Stock Exchange, where he officially signaled the start of trading by ringing the opening bell.

He also delivered the keynote address at the 2026 Africa Debate held at London’s historic Guildhall, presenting Ghana as a model of democratic stability, resilience, and economic transformation on the African continent.

Throughout the visit, the President emphasized Ghana’s commitment to strengthening trade relations, attracting foreign direct investment, and positioning the country as a preferred destination for business and economic growth.

The President was accompanied by a high-level delegation that included Presidential Adviser and Special Aide Joyce Bawa Mogtari; Minister of State for Government Communications and Presidential Spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu; Finance Minister Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson; Minister of Trade, Industry and Agribusiness Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare; Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa; Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister James Gyakye Quayson; Deputy Chief of Staff Stan Xoese Dogbe; and Roads and Highways Minister Kwami Governs Agbodza.

President Mahama has since departed the United Kingdom and is expected to continue his international engagements with a state visit to Belarus.