Ghana’s UK High Commissioner worships with SDA on New Year’s Day
Ghana’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, Zita Sabah Benson, last Saturday, joined the congregation of the London Ghana Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Church in Plaistow for their New Year Thanksgiving Service.
Joining the congregation provided the High Commissioner an opportunity to explore collaboration with the church, which she described as one of the most organised and dynamic Ghanaian religious institutions in the UK, with a congregation of about 1,000 members.
Mrs Benson, the first female High Commissioner of Ghana to the UK since independence and who assumed office barely three months ago, explained that her visit to the church was to formally introduce herself to the Ghanaian community in the UK through faith-based organisations such as the Ghana Adventist Fellowship.
Stakeholder meeting
Addressing the congregation, Mrs Benson hinted that the High Commission plans to organise a stakeholder meeting in London in April aimed at finding solutions to the growing problem of knife and gang crime involving some Ghanaian youth.
She expressed concern that reports of stabbings often involved young Black males and called for collective efforts to address the issue.
“Some Ghanaian youths are involved and have ended up in jail or in the grave. It is a very unfortunate situation. Most of those involved are young men, and their lives are being cut short, which is very saddening,” she said.
The High Commissioner disclosed that the High Commission was planning an interactive social programme that would bring together professionals, including doctors, social workers, nurses and youth mentors to engage young people, particularly boys.
“We want them to understand Ghanaian values and what is expected of them, so that they do not become part of the crime statistics—those who end up incarcerated or dead,” she added.
Ghana card
The High Commissioner also announced the commencement of Ghana Card registration for Ghanaians living in the UK, describing the process as simple and accessible.
“If you need one, go online, apply for the Ghana Card, undergo an online interview, and then come to our office at Highgate to collect it,” she said, noting that the initiative began in November 2025 and is a new development under her administration.
She reaffirmed the High Commission’s commitment to improving consular services and strengthening engagement with Ghanaians in the UK and Ireland through better communication and collaboration with community and faith-based organisations.
Looking ahead, Mrs Benson said the mission’s focus for the year included deepening partnerships, improving service delivery and building a more connected and supportive Ghanaian diaspora.
She also urged Ghanaians in the UK to register online to help build an accurate database, explaining that this would improve the High Commission’s ability to assist citizens, especially during emergencies.
“It makes our work easier when we know how many Ghanaians we have and where they are,” she said.
Mrs Benson commended the London Ghana SDA Church for its youth-focused initiatives aimed at keeping young members on the right path and helping them thrive in the UK.
She also praised the church’s Women’s Ministry for its dedication and generosity, highlighting the positive impact of women in leadership. She noted that Ghana had never had a female head of mission in the UK since 1957 and expressed her commitment to working closely with Ghanaian women in the diaspora.
She also commended Ghanaian girls in the UK for their achievements, noting with pride that some now serve as Members of Parliament.
Strengthening relations
The Senior Pastor of the church, Pastor George Boakye Asiamah, assisted by Associate Pastor Bright Agyeman-Baah, welcomed the High Commissioner and described her visit as timely and positive.
He said the engagement would help strengthen relations between the Ghanaian community and the High Commission, while improving access to consular services.
