Images: Konadu Rawlings, Akufo-Addo, and other guests at the birthday celebration for King Charles III

His Majesty King Charles III's birthday was celebrated on November 7, 2024, with a banquet for young people held by the British High Commission in Accra.In order to toast the King and commemorate the solid UK-Ghana relationship, some 500 people gathered at the High Commissioner's Residence, including Ghana's president, H.E. Nana Akufo-Addo, top government officials, diplomats, MPs, business executives, diaspora members, and representatives of civil society.The annual King's Birthday Party, which this year had a youth theme, celebrated King Charles III's commitment to youth development and support in his capacity as Head of the Commonwealth.

Together with the house staff, young cooks from the Ghana Food Movement created a British-Ghanaian fusion meal that included traditional fish and chips as well as unusual delicacies like Scotch Ne Mako and Plantain Mess.At the pop-up Accra Arms pub, which served classic favorites like gin and tonic and Pimm's, guests were treated to British hospitality.

With High Commission employees serving as models for sustainable fashion created by up-and-coming Ghanaian designers, youth creativity took center stage. A live performance by the band Fra, a dance demonstration by DWP Academy, and an announcement of the Earthshot Prize winners, Green Africa Youth Organization, who had just received recognition in Cape Town, were among the entertainment options.

Both Ghana's National Security Minister and High Commissioner Harriet Thompson gave addresses honoring the long-standing UK-Ghana alliance."The UK cares deeply about Ghana's success because of the strong bonds and democratic values we share," British High Commissioner to Ghana Harriet Thompson stated during the occasion.We are aware that strong cooperation improves both our nations' economies and security.

"And we are confident that a robust and long-lasting bilateral partnership—one that looks to the future while learning from the past—will enhance the quality of life for people in both of our nations.""Last month, at the Commonwealth Summit in Samoa, our Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, was elected as the new Secretary General," added Ghana's National Security Minister Albert Kan Dapaah.

The international community's confidence in Ghana is demonstrated by this accomplishment. For their support, we are very grateful to the King, the UK government, and every Commonwealth member.He added, "It gives me great pleasure to draw attention to the wide range of partnerships and economic collaboration between Ghana and the United Kingdom, which were showcased during the 9th UK-Ghana Business Council Meeting in Accra.

Millions of pounds have been allocated by the UK to a number of projects, such as a £3.9 million UK Gold program to combat the illicit gold trade and a £40 million commitment to support up to 150 Ghanaian SMEs.The UK-Ghana Science, Tech, and Innovation Strategy will also strengthen our partnership in global life science priorities, promote new investment possibilities, and improve health security.

These investments highlight the UK-Ghana relationship's lasting strength and reciprocal advantages.Of the 2.7 billion people living in the Commonwealth, over 60% are under 30. One of the goals of the Commonwealth Heads of Government conference in Samoa last month was to empower young people, as the Commonwealth has declared 2024 its Year of Youth.