Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mrs. Sabah Zita Benson, has called for stronger collaboration among traditional institutions, government, the private sector and the Ghanaian diaspora to turn the country’s economic potential into tangible opportunities.
According to her, each sector has a distinct role to play in creating an environment capable of attracting investment, generating jobs and expanding Ghanaian businesses.
Mrs. Benson made the call when she delivered the keynote address at the Asante Business Summit – London International Leadership Roundtable on Thursday, September 10, 2026, at the Ghana High Commission.
She said traditional institutions could provide local legitimacy, continuity and strong community connections, while government creates an enabling environment and facilitates international economic relationships.
“The private sector brings capital, innovation and commercial discipline. And our diaspora provides international networks, expertise and access to markets,” she said.
Mrs. Benson stressed that aligning these strengths around credible projects and transparent structures could unlock significant opportunities for Ghana.
She said Ghana has considerable potential across sectors including agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, tourism and the creative economy.
“Our task is to connect these opportunities with the capital, expertise, technology and international networks required to take them to scale,” she said.
The High Commissioner noted that Ghana’s economic ambitions should go beyond discussions about the country’s potential and focus on investments capable of delivering measurable benefits.
“For many years, we have spoken about Ghana’s potential. We need investment that creates jobs, develops skills, strengthens Ghanaian businesses and expands our capacity to produce competitively for domestic, regional and global markets,” she stated.
Kumasi and Ashanti region
Mrs. Benson also pointed to the role of Kumasi and the wider Ashanti Region in Ghana’s economic development.
She described Kumasi and other historic cities as longstanding centres of commerce, entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and culture, noting their potential contribution to Ghana’s broader economic ambitions.
“When investment succeeds in Kumasi, Accra, Tamale, Takoradi, Ho, Sunyani or any other part of the country, Ghana succeeds,” she said.
She therefore urged stakeholders to promote investment across the country while recognising the distinctive strengths that different regions and communities bring to national development.
Diaspora investment
The High Commissioner further urged Ghanaians living in the United Kingdom to play a bigger role in the country’s economic transformation.
She said the Ghanaian diaspora should be viewed not only as a source of remittances but also as a significant source of investment, knowledge, innovation, entrepreneurship and international connections.
“Many Ghanaians in the UK have built successful careers and businesses and developed valuable networks. We want to see more of that expertise, capital and experience connected to opportunities in Ghana,” she said.
Mrs. Benson also drew attention to Ghana’s position as host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), describing the country as a potential gateway for businesses seeking to access markets across Africa.
She said investors should see Ghana not merely as a destination but as a platform from which to build, produce, innovate and expand into other African markets.
“The question we should increasingly ask is ‘What can we build together in Ghana that can compete internationally?’” she said.
Mrs. Benson expressed hope that discussions at the summit would lead to lasting partnerships and tangible investment projects.
She urged participants to identify credible investment opportunities, connect serious investors with Ghanaian partners, create jobs and add value locally.
“Let us deliver tangible results for Asanteman, and ultimately for Ghana as a whole,” she said.
