Kofi Mukaase executives visit Ghana High Commission in London 

In a bid to strengthen trade relations and promote Ghanaian culture in the United Kingdom, some executives of the Kofi Mukaase which operates in London have engaged with senior officials at the Ghana High Commission in London. 

Led by its Executive Director, Mr. Kofi Demanya, the meeting focused on leveraging Ghana’s export potential and building bridges between Ghanaian businesses and UK markets. 

Present at the meeting were Mr. Mawutor Alifo, Head of Chancery; Mrs. Diana Afriyie Addo, Head of Trade and Investment; and Mrs. Joana Nyarko-Mensah Adika, Minister-Counsellor for Political & Economic Affairs. Representing Kofi Mukaagse were Mr. Henry Treku, Business Transformation & Product Innovation Consultant. 

Ghanaian Culture 

Mr Treku who has been working around the clock to promote Kofi Mukaase initiative—an event series focused on reconnecting the Ghanaian diaspora and introducing wider communities to authentic Ghanaian cuisine, explained the concept to the officials of the commission, seeking their support to make the initiative a reality. 

The series of events, according to Mr Treku, will offer cultural immersion through live cooking demonstrations and create commercial opportunities for Ghanaian suppliers to enter the UK market.

Mr. Demanya outlined the ambition of bringing the authentic Ghanaian “chop bar” experience to the UK, where traditional dishes like fufu are prepared using ingredients directly shipped from Ghana. 

"We want to reconnect Ghanaians in the UK with their cultural heritage while providing local Ghanaian businesses with access to new markets," said Mr. Treku. 

However, he noted that regulatory barriers remain a challenge, and he expressed hope for collaborative support from the High Commission.

Key Barriers and Trade Potential

The meeting also explored the growing demand for African products in the UK, particularly Ghanaian spices and other food items. 

Mr. Alifo acknowledged the challenges Ghanaian suppliers face in navigating stringent UK product standards and certifications. He called for collaborative efforts to streamline these processes, ensuring that more Ghanaian products legally enter the UK market.

Mrs. Diana Afriyie Addo highlighted Ghana’s quota-free, duty-free trade agreement with the UK as a significant opportunity for local businesses. 

However, she pointed out that non-tariff barriers, still impede market access.

"The challenge is not just getting products here; it’s ensuring they meet the necessary standards," she said. 

In response, Mr. Treku emphasized the need for a comprehensive partnership with the High Commission to develop a robust trade platform. 

He said there must be a focus on building critical support systems—from product development to regulatory compliance—to ensure that Ghanaian businesses can thrive sustainably.
 
The partnership, he said aims to establish a fulfilment center in the UK, streamlining packaging, distribution, and quality control for Ghanaian products. 

This, combined with the trade platform, he said would provide local suppliers with the tools necessary to meet UK standards and successfully integrate into key value chains. 

"This is not just about events; it’s about creating sustainable commercial opportunities for Ghanaian businesses," he said.