I recently had the privilege of engaging in a thought-provoking discussion with HRH Prince Oheneba Yaw Otchere, a distinguished member of the Ashanti Royal Family and a key figure in driving socioeconomic development in Ghana. This followed a number of most interesting discussions held last year.

As the overseer of the Ashanti Kingdom Trust and Royal Ambassador to HM Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, King of Ashanti, Prince Oheneba is deeply committed to fostering sustainable growth for Ghana and the broader Sub-Saharan region. Our conversation centred on strategic areas of cooperation between the UAE and Ghana with a focus on sectors that could deliver meaningful economic impact.

A key priority we discussed was investment and trade expansion particularly in strengthening bilateral economic ties through trade partnerships, foreign direct investment and private sector engagement. Given Ghana’s strategic position in West Africa and the UAE’s role as a global trade hub, enhancing economic integration could unlock new opportunities in mining, agriculture, manufacturing and logistics and increase the flow of goods, services, and capital between the two regions.

We also explored the potential for UAE-backed infrastructure investment in transport networks, urban infrastructure and smart cities which are key for boosting connectivity and attracting investment. Another important theme was renewable energy and sustainabilitywhere Ghana’s growing energy demands align with the UAE’s leadership in solar power, hydrogen and sustainable urban planning. Collaboration in digital innovation also holds great promise, leveraging the UAE’s expertise in fintech, AI and blockchain. This will help to accelerate Ghana’s digital economy and support financial inclusion and smart governance initiatives.

As a next step, I have been invited to travel to Ghana next month to deepen these discussions and engage with key stakeholders. This visit will present a valuable opportunity to explore investment frameworks and strengthen strategic partnerships that support Ghana’s development. Prince Oheneba Yaw Otchere’s leadership, commitment and vision are most inspiring and the possibilities that lie ahead are exciting.

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