The British High Commission in Ghana kicked off 2025 with its annual UK-Ghana Diaspora Networking Mixer.
The event, now in its third year, is designed to promote the cultural and business links between Ghana and the UK. Rhoda Korley-Owu went along to find out more.
“From tech innovators to sustainable cosmetics, they are not just building businesses – they are creating lasting economic partnerships between the UK and Ghana that will serve generations."
This was the message from British High Commissioner to Ghana Harriet Thompson in Accra, as the British High Commission hosted its third annual UK-Ghana Diaspora Networking Mixer on 3 January.
Up to 600 guests, including notable UK and Ghanaian personalities, attended the networking event at the British High Commissioner’s Residence in Accra which was held under the theme 'London to Accra: Connecting Capitals for Economic Growth'.
The UK and Ghana already enjoy strong economic ties. Total trade in goods and services between the UK and Ghana stood at £1.4 billion in the four quarters to the end of Q2 2024, according to UK government data.
This year's mixer was a chance to capitalise on these economic ties and deepen connections between the two countries by linking the diaspora with relevant business and government partners, as well as celebrating the achievements of British Ghanaians.
Guests heard how the diaspora, with its strong cultural and people ties, can serve as a bridge to create jobs and prosperity for the UK and Ghana alike by leveraging connections across both capitals for economic growth.
The seven diaspora-led businesses showcased were:
PayAngel, a money transfer app,
Yendy Skin, a skincare brand which uses African superfood ingredients,
Talking Drums, a sustainability-focused travel company and marketplace connecting people to Africa,
Workspace Global, a platform connecting African creatives with flexible remote work opportunities,
EATO, an AI-powered food network connecting African food entrepreneurs with global consumers
Remoteli, a platform designed to simplify staffing, recruitment, and outsourcing by connecting businesses with its network of over 25,000 skilled professionals across Africa.
My Runway Group, a company that empowers emerging creatives and Black businesses in the UK and Africa by providing global opportunities and overcoming cultural and socioeconomic barriers.
Rhoda got to speak to a few of the exhibitors during the mixer with all speaking positively about having the opportunity to showcase their businesses to an engaged audience.
“The event has been great - it is amazing to see so many people here," Yaa Ofori-Ansah, founder and ceo of the Talking Drums Travel & Marketplace, told Rhoda of AKADi Magazine.
"I’ve reunited with a lot of people I haven’t seen in a long time, I've also met some new people and established some new contacts, so I am hoping that that is also going to translate into opportunities for 2025.”
Julian Boaitey, founder and ceo of Yendy, told Rhoda: "It’s really good to connect with like-minded individuals and see so much innovation coming out of Ghana and the diaspora as well. I am really excited to be here.”
Notable attendees included UK Parliament MP for Clapham and Brixton Hill, Bell Ribeiro-Addy, Peace Hyde, creator of Netflix's Young, Famous and African, and TV presenter and executive June Sarpong.
Other celebrity guests included Ghanaian musician Stonebwoy, Ghanaian rapper Black Sherif, singer King Promise, British-Ghanaian rapper Headie One, actor and rapper Michael Dapaah, music producer Myx Quest, and British-Congolese presenter and comedian Eddie Kadi.
Speaking at the event, Bell said: "It is brilliant to witness the pivotal role the British Ghanaian diaspora continues to play in strengthening the bonds between our nations.
“This event, is a fantastic opportunity to showcase how our communities are driving business, fostering trade, and creating lasting opportunities for collaboration."
Read our interview with Bell Ribeiro-Addy in our Ghanaians in Politics issue
Guests enjoyed nostalgic Ghanaian 'hall party' inspired cuisine prepared by sustainable food advocate and influencer, Mukase Chic.
Entertainment was provided by two celebrated DJs in London and Accra, Capital XTRA's Manny Norté and DJ Fiifii, founding member of Afro Paradise – who have made a significant contribution to bringing together the British and Ghanaian music scenes.
The night came alive as they masterfully blended Black British London sounds (grime, funky house, garage, afro swing) with both classic and contemporary Ghanaian music (hiplife, highlife, afrobeats, alté, dancehall, hip-hop, afro-pop).
British High Commissioner to Ghana, Harriet Thompson, said: "Economic growth is a top priority for both the UK and Ghana governments. Tonight, we have witnessed the extraordinary impact of the British Ghanaian diaspora in connecting our countries and the role they can play in driving mutual prosperity.
“From tech innovators to sustainable cosmetics, they are not just building businesses – they are creating lasting economic partnerships between the UK and Ghana that will serve generations."
The UK-Ghana New Year Networking Mixer began in January 2023. The event was designed by the Strategic Partnerships and Diaspora Relations (SPDR) Team at the British High Commission Accra.
The SPDR team manages the BHC’s relationship with the diaspora and strengthens strategic partnerships across the cultural sector for the benefit of UK and Ghana.
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