As part of efforts to deepen educational and innovation ties between the United Kingdom and Africa, London Mayor Sadiq Khan visited the University of Ghana on Wednesday July 16 during his first official trade mission to the continent.
During his visit, he delivered a keynote address at the West Africa Genomic Medicine Centre during an event themed “Entrepreneurship and Education from London to Accra: Insights from the Mayor of London.”Organized in partnership with Imperial Global Ghana, an initiative by Imperial College London, the event aimed to strengthen academic collaboration and drive innovation through cross-continental engagement.
The event brought together students, academic leaders, entrepreneurs and policy influencers to explore how London’s world-leading STEM ecosystem can inspire and empower the next generation of African change makers through cutting-edge education and inclusive entrepreneurship programs.
In his address, Mayor Sadiq Khan emphasized the importance of forging stronger Ghana–London ties rooted in mutual respect, collaboration and shared prosperity.
“London is ready to play its part in your story. Not as a patron, but as a partner. In a genuinely reciprocal relationship that brings benefits to us both… focused on the bolder, brighter future we can build together.”
The mayor also addressed growing concerns about policies that restrict international student mobility.
“There are people who believe we should pull up the drawbridge to international students, or punish universities that choose to welcome people from around the world. I disagree. How could I not? The evidence is clear.New analysis shows international students bring in tens of billions of pounds to our economy every year, including £12.5 billion for London.”
He celebrated the contributions of global talent, from medical breakthroughs powered by artificial intelligence to sustainable fashion design, and firmly warned against isolationism.
“Closing our economy to global talent would be an act of immense economic self-harm. Every student that comes to London brings something that cannot be measured in pounds or cedis — a different way of thinking, the courage to challenge the status quo.”
The event also featured remarks from Professor Nana Aba Appiah Amfo, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ghana, as well as inspiring stories from Ghanaian students and recent graduates of Imperial College London, many of whom are building impactful ventures supported by Imperial Global Ghana’s entrepreneurship initiatives.
Through a mix of personal testimony and strategic dialogue, attendees explored how education not only fuels innovation but also strengthens international partnerships, laying the foundation for a more inclusive and prosperous future.
The afternoon concluded with a celebratory barbeque and networking session, offering students and professionals an opportunity to connect, collaborate and dream beyond borders.
Imperial Global Ghana is an outreach and innovation initiative by Imperial College London, designed to build stronger academic, entrepreneurial and research collaborations between Ghana and the UK. Through mentorship, start-up support and global engagement opportunities, the program aims to empower Ghanaian students and young entrepreneurs to drive change locally and internationally.
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Story by Emmanuel Eugene Darkwah|univers.ug.edu.gh
Edited by Michelle Lartey
