Idris Elba, Stormzy and Kanya King among 100 most influential British-Ghanaians being honoured in UK Parliament today
Bell Ribeiro-Addy MP will host a parliamentary reception this evening to launch the inaugural UK Black Stars list, celebrating diaspora leaders across business, politics, media, sport and the arts
Idris Elba, Stormzy and Kanya King are among the 100 most influential British-Ghanaians honoured in the inaugural UK Black Stars List, being launched at the Houses of Parliament today.
The list recognises leading British-Ghanaians working across sectors including politics, media, sport, science, business and the arts.
Organisers say the initiative aims to spotlight the impact of the British-Ghanaian diaspora in Britain while strengthening cultural ties between the UK and Ghana.
The launch is being hosted by Labour MP Bell Ribeiro-Addy, chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Ghana, during a reception in Westminster attended by nominees, parliamentarians and members of the diaspora community.
Speaking ahead of the event, Ms Ribeiro-Addy said: “As the chair of the APPG for Ghana, and as a proud British-Ghanaian myself, I am honoured to invite some of the most influential British-Ghanaians to Parliament to join this celebration of Ghana’s independence, and to honour members of the Ghanaian diaspora who have contributed so much to both countries and to their respective fields.”
Among those named on the inaugural list are England footballer Kobbie Mainoo, journalist and author Afua Hirsch, broadcaster June Sarpong, journalist Afua Hagan, publisher Kennedy Mensah, journalist Henry Bonsu, former Conservative Chancellor Kwasi Kwarteng, GB News presenter Nana Akua and Bridgerton actress Adjoa Andoh.
On learning of her nomination, Ms Andoh said she was “looking forward to the event” and was “very chuffed to be nominated”.
Barbara Mills KC, the first Black chair of the Bar Council, said she was “deeply honoured” to also be nominated, adding that the recognition reflects both her own journey and the Ghanaian heritage that has shaped her career.
She said she hopes the honour will inspire young people to pursue excellence “with courage, integrity and pride”.
Housing campaigner Kwajo Tweneboa, singer-songwriter Fuse ODG, LGBTQIA+ activist Lady Phyll, also known as Phyllis Akua Opoku-Gyimah, online fitness coach Gina ‘Just Geen’ Obeng and entrepreneur Lady Dentaa Amoateng have also been ranked on the list.
The launch deliberately coincides with Ghana’s Independence Day on 6 March, connecting the celebration of British-Ghanaian success with the country’s historic journey towards self-determination.
Organisers say the list is intended not only to recognise individual achievement but also to inspire the next generation of British-Ghanaian leaders.
The UK Black Stars initiative is backed by the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Ghana, which works to strengthen UK-Ghana relations and represent the interests of the Ghanaian diaspora in Parliament.
It is sponsored by Heward-Mills, a data protection and privacy solutions provider, and advocacy group Protect Black Women.
Visit the UK Black Stars website for more information.
Got a news tip or story idea? Submit it via this form. Reader feedback and corrections are welcomed separately here.