President John Dramani Mahama has officially bid farewell to the outgoing British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson. The meeting, held on Thursday, June 12, 2025, marked the end of her four-year tenure.
President Mahama expressed appreciation for her “positive engagements” during her time in Ghana. He described the long-standing Ghana–UK relationship as strong and stable, saying, “So far, so good.”
Strengthening Economic and Trade Ties
President Mahama stressed the importance of deepening economic partnerships between Ghana and the United Kingdom. He noted that the world is shifting, and traditional development aid is declining. For this reason, Ghana must find new ways to position itself for future growth.
“We need to focus more on building mutual trade ties rather than relying on development assistance,” he said.
Security and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation
The President also thanked the UK for its support in fighting terrorism. He praised the cooperation between both countries in areas such as intelligence gathering and security training.
“We appreciate the partnership we have shared in the fight against terrorism,” he said. “We will continue to rely on the UK for help and cooperation in preparing for any possible attack.”
Regional Diplomacy and ECOWAS Engagement
Turning to regional matters, President Mahama spoke about his recent diplomatic visits to Sahelian countries—Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger. He said those trips aimed to rebuild trust and improve relations between Ghana and its neighbors.
He announced that the upcoming ECOWAS meeting on Sunday, his first since assuming office, will focus on the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
“I will brief ECOWAS leaders on my trips and share my thoughts on the grievances of those countries and how we can redefine our relationships,” he said.
Positive Economic Outlook for Ghana
On the domestic front, President Mahama reported encouraging signs for Ghana’s economy. He cited a stronger Cedi, falling inflation, and growing investor confidence.
“The first quarter report shows GDP growth of 5.3%. Inflation has dropped from 23% in January to 18%, and we aim to reduce it to 13% by the end of the year,” he stated. “This will help reduce the cost of living and maintain fiscal discipline.”
UK Envoy Expresses Gratitude
High Commissioner Harriet Thompson thanked Ghanaians for their hospitality and support. She expressed satisfaction with the successful rollout of several British-funded initiatives during her tenure.
“It has been a great honor to serve in Ghana. I am proud of the progress we’ve made together,” she said.
