Ghana and Canada have signed a Letter of Intent to deepen bilateral relations, with both countries identifying key areas of co-operation, including trade, education, mining, renewable energy and defence.
The agreement was signed in Ottawa, Canada, during an official visit by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, following an invitation from Canada’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Anita Anand.
In a statement released on Tuesday, October 27, Mr Ablakwa said the agreement reflects the renewed commitment of both countries to strengthening their longstanding relations.
“Yesterday, we signed a Letter of Intent in Ottawa, demonstrating the renewed commitment to deepening and expanding our longstanding excellent relations”, he said.
He said the areas of cooperation include aviation, railway development, trade facilitation, education, agribusiness, value addition, mining, counterterrorism, renewable energy and artificial intelligence (AI).
The two countries have also agreed to commence negotiations towards a defence agreement.
Mr Ablakwa disclosed that his delegation held a bilateral meeting with Ms Anand to discuss a wide range of issues aimed at expanding cooperation between the two countries.
He said Ghana and Canada would work towards becoming stronger allies under President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda and Canada’s Strategic Plan for Africa.
The Foreign Affairs Minister added that both countries are exploring structured labour mobility pathways and increased scholarship opportunities.
On international security, he said Ghana and Canada had agreed to strengthen their partnership in responding to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, instability in Haiti and violent extremism in the Sahel.
“We both agreed to forge closer partnership in responding to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, the instability in Haiti and combating violent extremism in the Sahel”, he stated.
The two countries also intend to deepen cooperation at the multilateral level, particularly on United Nations reforms, climate justice and the restructuring of the global financial architecture, as Ghana prepares to chair the African Union (AU).
Mr Ablakwa further expressed appreciation to Canada for hosting Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, and Ghanaian supporters during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He noted that relations between Ghana and Canada date back 120 years, when missionaries from the Province of Québec established a church in Navrongo.
The latest agreement is expected to provide a framework for advancing cooperation in several sectors of mutual interest as both countries seek to strengthen their diplomatic and economic ties.
Source: Abigail Ekua Arhin
