Bell Ribeiro-Addy: UK Trade Envoy begins first official visit to Ghana to bolster economic ties
The United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Ghana, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, has arrived in the country for her first official visit, aimed at strengthening bilateral trade relations and promoting economic cooperation between the two nations.
The four-day mission, which runs from May 19-22, 2025, will take place in Accra and Kumasi and marks a significant milestone since her appointment in January by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
Appointed as part of the UK government’s global network of Trade Envoys representing British commercial interests in over 70 countries, Ms Ribeiro-Addy’s visit underscores the UK’s renewed strategic focus on partnerships across Africa, with Ghana as a key ally.
A UK government statement said during her time in the country, Ms Ribeiro-Addy is expected to hold high-level meetings with Ghanaian government officials and stakeholders, including the Minister of Finance, Dr. Cassiel Ato Baah Forson; Minister of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare; and the Deputy Minister of Education, Dr. Clement Abas Apaak. Engagements will also involve senior government officials, traditional authorities, academic representatives, and UK business leaders operating in Ghana.
The discussions will centre on expanding trade and investment avenues, exploring mutual economic growth strategies, and strengthening cooperation between the UK and Ghana. In Kumasi, the Trade Envoy will tour two major projects supported by UK Export Finance (UKEF): the Kumasi Airport and the Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital maternity block. These visits are intended to showcase the UK’s continued backing of infrastructure development in Ghana’s Ashanti Region.
Ms Ribeiro-Addy will also convene a roundtable with the Women’s Parliamentary Caucus, aimed at promoting gender-inclusive economic development and leadership.
“I am honoured to represent the UK in Ghana and look forward to engaging with our Ghanaian partners,” Ms Ribeiro-Addy said. “This visit is an important step in strengthening our trade relations and exploring new avenues for collaboration. I am confident that our discussions will pave the way for a brighter economic future for both our countries.”
The British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, welcomed the visit, highlighting its importance for both nations. “We are thrilled to welcome Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP to Ghana. Her visit reflects our shared commitment to building stronger international partnerships, promoting global trade, and realising a vision of inclusive prosperity,” she said.
The envoy’s visit is expected to open new doors for investment and collaboration as Ghana and the UK seek to consolidate economic gains and promote inclusive development.