President Akufo-Addo in a handshake with Theresa May, British Prime Minister
President Akufo-Addo yesterday met British Prime Minister, Theresa May, in London.
They met at the Prime Minister’s Number 10 Downing Street where the two held bilateral talks.
The purpose of the meeting was to strengthen the bond of cooperation between the two countries, and move the bilateral relations to a point beyond aid.
The two leaders also discussed issues bordering on next year’s Commonwealth Summit, as preparations for the Summit intensify.
Congratulating Ghana on her 60th independence anniversary, Prime Minister Theresa May told President Akufo-Addo that she and the people of the United Kingdom were “looking forward to building a sound relationship, and also developing historic ties with Ghana for the next 60 years.”
The British Prime Minister indicated that increasing the volume of trade between the two countries is key to boosting the growth, progress and prosperity of the two countries and their respective populations.
Ms May further noted that next year’s Commonwealth Summit, which is scheduled to be held in London, would among other things, present member states with the opportunity “to grow together,” and was delighted that Ghana’s president would be participating.
During her tenure in office, she was hopeful the United Kingdom would continue to build “on the strong relationship we have with Ghana.”
President Akufo-Addo thanked the British Prime Minister for the warm reception accorded him and his delegation.
Sixty years after gaining independence from British colonial rule, President Akufo-Addo stressed that Ghana and the United Kingdom “didn’t part company for good.”
Instead, he said strong relationships between the two countries have existed, regardless of the governments of the day, and assured Prime Minister May that under his leadership as President of Ghana, the already strong relationship would continue and further deepened.
He was equally hopeful that their tenure would be marked by the strengthening of the bilateral relations between the two countries for the mutual benefit of the two countries and their peoples.
According to the president, Ghana was looking forward eagerly to next year’s Commonwealth Summit, which would provide the opportunity to reinvigorate the Commonwealth around its theme of “A Common Future,” and make it a dynamic instrument for the growth of the global community in the 21st Century.
President Akufo-Addo seized the opportunity to congratulate Ms Theresa May on the decision of the British government to host next year’s Summit.
President Akufo-Addo is on a three-day visit to the United Kingdom.
He was to deliver a speech on “Democracy and Development” at the Cambridge Union Society of the University of Cambridge yesterday evening.
Today, Tuesday, November 21, the president will speak at an event, organised by the Royal Africa Society, Facebook and the Ghana 60 Years On Committee on “Africa Beyond Aid,” where he will outline his vision for progress and prosperity of the continent.
President Akufo-Addo will return to Ghana tomorrow.
By Charles Takyi-Boadu, Presidential Correspondent