Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask Her Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the current (1) political, and (2) economic, situation in Ghana.

The Government welcomes the peaceful conduct of the presidential and parliamentary elections in Ghana on 7 December 2020. Ghana continues to provide regional leadership in upholding strong democratic traditions. We are aware that the National Democratic Congress has contested the results of the election. As with all democracies, any candidates or parties seeking to challenge the result should do so peacefully through the correct legal channels. On 8 January 2021, the Minister for Africa attended the inauguration of President Nana Akufo-Addo, where he met with the President and underlined the Government's enthusiasm to continue our strong partnership, including opportunities for mutual prosperity.

While Ghana has seen rapid economic growth in the past decade, the pandemic has slowed progress significantly. The Government is working with the Government of Ghana to minimise the impact on Ghanaian businesses. The UK and Ghana have also reached consensus on the main elements of a trade agreement. Negotiations are progressing at official level, and with willingness on both sides, the agreement can be finalised and brought into force quickly.