President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed the longstanding relationship between Ghana and the United Kingdom (UK), stressing that shared values, history, and mutual interests continued to strengthen cooperation between the two nations.

Speaking at the Forecourt of the Jubilee House during a visit by the Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Edward, President Mahama noted that Ghana’s ties with the UK dated back centuries and had remained strong since independence.

According to him, both countries were bound by a commitment to human rights, democratic governance, and shared constitutional principles. He highlighted that Ghana’s legal system and aspects of its constitution were rooted in British common law, a framework he believes gives citizens confidence in the justice system.

Mahama added that recent high-level visits — including that of the UK’s Deputy Prime Minister — reflected the deepening partnership, describing Prince Edward’s visit as a significant milestone in the longstanding relationship.

The president also addressed global issues reshaping international relations, pointing to the importance of multilateralism in addressing modern challenges. He praised the UK’s leadership on climate change, emphasising that no country could tackle the climate crisis alone.

Mahama expressed concern over the rise of unilateral actions that undermined global cooperation, referencing the invasion of Ukraine, ongoing conflicts such as the Gaza crisis — which he noted had claimed more than 60,000 lives — and disruptions to the rules-based trading system through arbitrary tariffs. He called for “coalitions of the willing” to reinforce multilateral collaboration, adding that Ghana saw the UK as a natural partner in this effort.

Turning to the Duke of Edinburgh’s legacy, President Mahama commended the Duke of Edinburgh International Award for its role in inspiring young people through discipline, creativity, and ambition. He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the programme in Ghana, saying Prince Edward’s visit would further boost its impact.

In a gesture of cultural honour, President Mahama welcomed Prince Edward with the traditional name bestowed on him by the Greater Accra Regional House of Chiefs — Ni Yehuwa Da, which translates to “Chief of God is Mighty.” The president noted that receiving a traditional name was one of the highest honours in Ghanaian culture.

Sharing his own traditional title, Ni Ode Opio — “the chief who says and does” — Mahama said Prince Edward now had joined a distinguished group of personalities honoured by Ghanaian chiefs.

He concluded by wishing the Duke of Edinburgh a successful and memorable stay in Ghana.