Akufo-Addo, Konadu Agyeman-Rawlings among attendees at King Charles III’s birthday celebration

Friends of the British High Commission in Accra on November 7, 2024, celebrated at a youth-themed reception in honour of His Majesty King Charles III’s birthday.

Around 500 guests – including the President of Ghana H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo and senior ministers of state, as well as diplomats, Members of Parliament, businesses, diaspora and civil society – gathered to toast the King and the UK-Ghana relationship at the Residence of the High Commissioner.

The annual King’s Birthday Party, this year themed around youth, reflected His Majesty’s commitment as Head of the Commonwealth to support young people and enduring passion for youth development.

Young chefs from the Ghana Food Movement collaborated with residence staff to provide a British-Ghanaian fusion menu, featuring creations such as Scotch Ne Mako and Plantain Mess alongside the traditional fish and chips.

Guests enjoyed British hospitality at the pop-up Accra Arms pub, with classic refreshments like gin and tonic and Pimm’s.

Youthful innovation was also at the forefront of the entertainment, with High Commission staff taking to the catwalk to model sustainable fashion brands by young Ghanaians.

Guests were further treated to the best of Ghana’s young talent in the form of a dance performance by DWP, a live set by the band Fra and a spotlight on Earthshot Prize winners Green Africa Youth Organization – fresh from their triumph in Cape Town the night before.

High Commissioner Harriet Thompson and Ghana’s National Security Minister gave speeches celebrating the UK-Ghana relationship.

British High Commissioner to Ghana Harriet Thompson said at the event: “The UK cares deeply about Ghana’s success because of the strong bonds and democratic values we share.

“We know that the economy and security of both our countries is enhanced by working closely together.

“And we know a strong and enduring bilateral partnership – that learns from the past and looks to the future – will improve the lives of people in both our countries.”

Ghana’s National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah also said; "Last month, at the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa, our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, was elected as the new Secretary General. This achievement reflects the international community's trust in Ghana. We sincerely thank the King, the UK government, and all Commonwealth members for their support."

He further indicated; “I am delighted to highlight the extensive economic cooperation and diverse partnerships between the UK and Ghana, as demonstrated during the 9th UK-Ghana Business Council Meeting in Accra. The UK has committed millions of pounds to various initiatives, including a £40 million pledge to support up to 150 Ghanaian SMEs and a £3.9 million UK Gold programme aimed at combating illegal gold trade.

"Additionally, the launch of the UK-Ghana Science Tech and Innovation Strategy will enhance health security, foster new investment opportunities, and fortify our collaboration in global life science priorities. These investments underscore the mutual benefits and enduring strength of the UK-Ghana relationship”.

More than 60 per cent of the Commonwealth’s 2.7 billion people are under the age of 30. The Commonwealth has designated 2024 its Year of Youth and empowering young people was among the objectives of last month’s Commonwealth Heads of Government summit in Samoa.