ACCRA, GHANA – President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday, June 12, 2025, expressed gratitude to outgoing British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, for her four-year tenure, emphasizing the need for deeper economic partnerships and continued cooperation between Ghana and the United Kingdom. President Mahama lauded the High Commissioner for her “positive engagements” and reflected on the enduring historical relationship between the two nations, which he described as “so far so good.”
During their meeting, President Mahama highlighted the evolving global landscape, noting the diminishing nature of traditional development assistance and the imperative for developing countries like Ghana to strategically reposition themselves. He specifically acknowledged the UK’s substantial support in counter-terrorism efforts, commending their cooperation in intelligence gathering and training. “We appreciate the partnership we have shared in the fight against terrorism,” President Mahama stated, adding that Ghana would “continue to rely on the UK for help and cooperation in intelligence gathering and training to prepare ourselves in the event of any attack.”
Shifting to regional dynamics, President Mahama updated High Commissioner Thompson on his recent proactive engagements with leaders in Sahelian countries, including Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, pledging further diplomatic efforts to rebuild trust and improve relationships with these neighbours.
He announced that the upcoming ECOWAS meeting on Sunday, his first since assuming office, would prioritize issues concerning the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). “I am going to have the opportunity to report to the rest of the ECOWAS leaders on trips I made to the three countries and share some of my perspectives about their grievances and how we can redefine relationships,” he informed the envoy.
On the domestic economic front, President Mahama provided an optimistic outlook, reporting progress with a strengthening Cedi, declining inflation, and renewed investor confidence. “I am happy to report that it’s going well,” he stated, detailing the first quarter economic performance report which showed a GDP growth of 5.3 percent. He noted that inflation had reduced from 23 percent to 18 percent since January, with a target of 13 percent by year-end, which he hopes will “create some relief for Ghanaians in terms of the cost of living.”
For her part, High Commissioner Harriet Thompson expressed gratitude for the warm support and cooperation received during her over four years in Ghana, acknowledging the successful implementation of various British-sponsored interventions.
Sankofaonline
