Ghana, Canada sign agreement to deepen bilateral cooperation – Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa says Ghana and Canada are poised to deepen their bilateral relations through expanded cooperation in trade, security, education, infrastructure and other strategic sectors.

He made the remarks after signing a Letter of Intent with his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, during an official visit to Ottawa.

The agreement outlines priority areas for cooperation, including aviation, railway development, trade facilitation, agribusiness, mining, renewable energy and artificial intelligence.

It also provides for the commencement of negotiations towards a defence agreement between the two countries.

In a post on social media on Tuesday, October 27, Okudzeto Ablakwa said the renewed partnership would be pursued under President John Dramani Mahama’s Reset Agenda and Canada’s Strategic Plan for Africa.

“Ghana and Canada will become strong allies within the framework of President Mahama’s Reset Agenda and Canada’s new Strategic Plan for Africa,” he stated.

The minister disclosed that the two countries were also exploring structured labour mobility pathways and increased scholarship opportunities.

He added that both sides had agreed to strengthen cooperation in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, instability in Haiti and violent extremism in the Sahel.

According to him, the discussions also covered cooperation at the multilateral level, including reforms at the United Nations, climate justice and the restructuring of the global financial architecture.

For her part, Ms Anand described Ghana as an important partner in West Africa and said closer economic ties could create new opportunities for both countries.

“Ghana is a leading voice for stability in West Africa and an increasingly important economic partner. As we approach 70 years of diplomatic relations, expanding trade and investment presents new opportunities to advance Canada’s Africa Strategy,” she said.

The visit comes as Ghana and Canada prepare to mark 70 years of diplomatic relations, with both governments seeking to build on their existing partnership through expanded trade, investment and security cooperation.