Ghana has reinforced its growing leadership in global development diplomacy after co-hosting the African Development Fund (ADF-17) Pledge Conference alongside the United Kingdom in London, a move widely seen as strengthening Africa’s collective voice ahead of critical global economic reforms.

The high-level conference, held at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development headquarters, brought together development partners and multilateral donors to mobilise resources for Africa’s most vulnerable economies, while advancing reforms that place African priorities at the centre of global financing decisions.

Co-hosted by the British High Commission in Accra and Ghana’s Ministry of Finance, the event underscored a shared commitment to sustainable development, resilience, and inclusive growth across the continent.

Speaking at the conference, Hon. Thomas Nyarko Ampem, MP, Ghana’s Deputy Minister of Finance, said Ghana was proud to champion Africa’s development priorities at a time when the continent is demanding a stronger role in shaping global financial systems.

“Ghana is proud to have co-hosted this important conference and to champion Africa’s voice in shaping development priorities. Earlier this year, Ghana joined four other countries in pledging $16 million to the ADF, the first time all five countries in our constituency contributed. This demonstrates our commitment to reforms and partnerships that deliver tangible results for our people,” he stated.

The African Development Fund, the concessional financing arm of the African Development Bank Group, plays a critical role in supporting 37 low-income African countries, financing investments in climate resilience, infrastructure, energy access, women-led enterprises, and inclusive economic growth.

The conference also highlighted the United Kingdom’s evolving partnership approach, shifting from traditional donor assistance toward long-term investment and private sector mobilisation. UK Minister for Development, Jenny Chapman, reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to working with African-led institutions to drive sustainable and inclusive growth.

The London meeting marked a historic moment for African ownership of its development agenda. In May 2025, Ghana pledged $5 million to the ADF, alongside The Gambia, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Sudan — signalling increased African participation in financing the continent’s future.

Beyond pledges, the conference spotlighted Ghana’s ongoing reforms, including the scaling up of domestic revenue mobilisation through digital compliance tools and tax reforms, and the use of ADF investments to support women-led MSMEs and renewable energy mini-grid solutions.

Observers note that Ghana’s co-hosting role aligns with President John Mahama’s Reset Agenda, positioning Accra as a hub for global development dialogue and a strong advocate for fairer global financial systems and country-led development models.

As Africa prepares for the next phase of multilateral negotiations and development financing, the conference concluded with a unified call for partners to sustain momentum and support an Africa that is resilient, self-driven, and economically empowered.