Ghana’s Ambassador to the United Kingdom, Sabah Zita Benson, told a London International Leadership Roundtable of the Asante Business Summit that the country’s status as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat strengthens its position as a gateway to Africa. She said Ghana can act not only as a destination but as a platform for building, producing, innovating and expanding into markets across the continent and beyond.
Benson made the remarks during the summit’s roundtable, which brought together business, investment and institutional leaders focused on turning Ghana’s enormous potential into tangible economic opportunities for its people. She praised the partnership with Manhyia Palace, noting that traditional leadership remains vital in Ghanaian society.
“In Asanteman, the institution of chieftaincy has been an enduring source of identity, continuity and social cohesion,” she said. “There is considerable opportunity in bringing together the strengths of traditional institutions, government, private enterprise and the diaspora.” She urged traditional institutions to provide local legitimacy, continuity and deep community connections.
“The private sector brings capital, innovation and commercial discipline. And our diaspora provides international networks, expertise and access to markets. When these strengths are aligned around credible projects and transparent structures, the possibilities are substantial,” Mrs. Benson added.
She emphasized Ghana’s rich human capital, natural resources, entrepreneurship, culture and creativity, pointing to opportunities in agriculture, 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.
Benson highlighted the role of the Ghana High Commission’s Economic Diplomacy mandate, which helps connect investors with credible opportunities, links Ghanaian businesses with international partners and facilitates relationships that result in real projects. She added that Kumasi and the wider Ashanti region have an important contribution to make to the national ambition, noting that historic cities across Ghana have long been recognised as centres of commerce, entrepreneurship, craftsmanship and culture for people across the country and sub‑region.
When investment succeeds in Kumasi, Accra, Tamale, Takoradi, Ho, Sunyani or any other part of the country, Ghana succeeds,” she concluded. The High Commissioner said her mission remains committed to complementing the combined efforts of business, traditional, local and national leaders toward Ghana’s development.
