The Duke of Edinburgh visits Ghana to strengthen UK-Ghana partnership

His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh, arrived in Ghana yesterday for a two-day official visit aimed at reinforcing the modern partnership between the United Kingdom and Ghana. The visit places a spotlight on shared Commonwealth values and deepening collaboration in climate-smart development, education, innovation, inclusive sports, and the creative industries.

A central focus of the visit is to advance the UK-Ghana relationship through high-level engagements, including meetings with President John Dramani Mahama, traditional leaders, and a cross-section of Ghana’s creative, educational, and entrepreneurial communities.

Support for Education and Early Childhood Development

In Aburi, The Duke will tour the Presbyterian Women’s College of Education, where he will visit a kindergarten and interact with teaching students. The visit will showcase the impact of Sabre Education’s support for the Government of Ghana’s play-based learning programme, which equips Ghanaian educators with skills to deliver quality early childhood education. The UK has been a key partner in Ghana’s journey toward universal access to early childhood education.

Sustainability and Climate-Smart Development

At the historic Aburi Botanical Gardens, His Royal Highness will tour a plant nursery dedicated to propagating and preserving plant species while serving as a practical learning site for horticultural students. He will also engage with entrepreneurs from Ghana’s cocoa sector and UK counterparts whose innovations in artisanal processing, sustainable trade, and inclusive economic growth are shaping the future of cocoa communities.

The Duke will plant a commemorative tree to symbolize his commitment to sustainability—joining the legacy of past dignitaries including Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and His Majesty King Charles III.

Boosting Innovation Across the Commonwealth

In Accra, The Duke is expected to meet participants of the Commonwealth Startup Fellowship Programme Bootcamp, which convenes entrepreneurs from 24 Commonwealth nations. The initiative, a partnership between the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission in the UK and Imperial College London, supports innovative startups addressing pressing global challenges. The engagement highlights the UK’s commitment to driving entrepreneurship, innovation, and inclusive economic growth across Commonwealth countries.

Championing Inclusive Sports

A key highlight of the visit will be The Duke’s meeting with Ghana’s Paralympic and sports associations in preparation for the 2026 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow. The engagement will underscore the transformative role of inclusive sports in promoting physical well-being, character development, and social cohesion. It also reaffirms Ghana’s leadership within the Commonwealth sports ecosystem.

Strengthening Creative and Cultural Collaboration

The Duke will also attend a UK-Ghana Theatre and Creative Arts event designed to position the UK as a partner of choice in creative collaboration. Discussions will explore investment and skills development opportunities for Ghana’s creative sector. The event will feature a special performance of “The Black Star – Teacher of Africa” by Kofi Adinkra, a celebration of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s enduring legacy. The engagement illustrates how cultural partnerships can spark innovation and reinforce bilateral ties.

Engagements with National Leaders and Traditional Authorities

His Royal Highness will call on President John Dramani Mahama and attend a durbar hosted by the National House of Chiefs, reflecting the historic and ongoing bonds between the British Royal Family and Ghana’s traditional leadership. He will also pay respects at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, honouring Ghana’s first President Osagyefo Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah.

A Celebration of Partnership

Ahead of the visit, the British High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Dr. Christian Rogg, described the mission as a reaffirmation of shared priorities and long-standing cooperation.

“His Royal Highness’s visit to Ghana is a celebration of the strong and evolving relationship between the UK and Ghana. It’s about recognising our shared values and the real impact of our collaboration—from education and climate action to inclusive development and innovation. It also honours Ghana’s vital role and enduring leadership within the Commonwealth.”

The Duke’s itinerary includes engagements with government officials, development partners, business leaders, and the Ghanaian diaspora—demonstrating the vibrant human and institutional connections that define the UK-Ghana relationship.

The visit will conclude with His Royal Highness attending the King’s Birthday Party at the British High Commissioner’s residence, an annual event bringing together stakeholders from across government, civil society, business, and the diplomatic community to celebrate the enduring partnership between the UK and Ghana.