Ga Mantse applauds UK Trade Envoy’s visit, welcomes stronger UK-Ghana ties

His Royal Majesty, King Tackie Teiko Tsuru II has commended the United Kingdom’s Trade Envoy to Ghana, Hon. Bellavia Janet Ribeiro-Addy, for her commitment to deepening UK-Ghana relations, describing her appointment as a source of pride for the Ga-Dangme people.

Speaking during a courtesy call at the Ga Traditional Council, the Ga Mantse expressed his heartfelt joy at receiving Hon. Ribeiro-Addy, who is of Ga heritage and serves as Member of Parliament for Brixton Hill in the UK.

“I am proud of your appointment to such a high office and thankful to the English Crown for bestowing this honour on someone who represents an entire community. You are a shining light of all Ga-Dangme,” the King said.

He encouraged the UK Trade Envoy to be an example to the youth and assured her of the Ga State’s full support as she executes her mandate.

The King also announced that the Ga Mantse Foundation and the Ga Mantse Business Desk would collaborate with her office to identify areas of mutual interest and generate job opportunities for the people.

Hon. Ribeiro-Addy, in her remarks, expressed delight at the opportunity to connect with her ancestral roots.

“It is very important to me that I am able to come and greet my King. As a proud person of Ghanaian heritage, I am honoured to be here,” she said.

The visit formed part of her official mission to Ghana aimed at strengthening bilateral trade, investment, education, and cultural collaboration.

She emphasized the importance of Ghana as a key trading partner to the UK and highlighted ongoing efforts to increase UK business presence in Ghana and boost Ghanaian exports to the UK through various tariff-free schemes and trade partnerships.

She also noted that her tour includes engagements with British companies in Ghana and Ghanaian entrepreneurs both from the diaspora and local communities who are contributing to the country’s economic growth.

The Ga Mantse also took the opportunity to thank the British High Commission for its support in Ghana’s development, and commended the recent elevation of Hon. Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, describing it as another milestone worth celebrating.

The meeting highlighted the strong cultural and diplomatic ties between the Ga State and the United Kingdom, and set the stage for continued collaboration in trade and development.

Story by: Joshua Kwabena Smith