Ghana and Canada have deepened their bilateral ties following high-level discussions in Ottawa between Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai.
The bilateral engagement, which marked the conclusion of Mr Ablakwa’s working visit to Canada, yielded five key deliverables aimed at boosting economic growth, youth empowerment, regional security, and sustainable development.
Under the new agreements, both nations will establish a partnership focused on labour mobility and skills empowerment for young Ghanaians. The initiative will target digital literacy, standardized certifications for the global job market, TVET training, and opportunities within the energy transition sector.
On security, Ghana and Canada agreed to strengthen collaboration at the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC). The enhanced support is expected to bolster the institution’s capacity to promote regional stability and combat terrorism across West Africa.
Canada has also committed to providing technical expertise to support the establishment of Ghana’s proposed Women’s Development Bank, an initiative designed to improve financial inclusion and empower female entrepreneurs.
Addressing environmental concerns, both countries agreed to collaborate on modern environmental protection and land reclamation strategies, supporting Ghana’s ongoing efforts to promote legal and sustainable mining practices.
To broaden the scope of their engagement, Accra and Ottawa will coordinate a wider Africa-Canada dialogue next year. The summit will focus on aligning shared development priorities, with an emphasis on trade, industrialization, railway infrastructure, and value addition, shifting the traditional paradigm from aid to sustainable partnership.
Mr Sarai, who made Ghana his first official international destination following his appointment last year, reiterated Canada’s commitment to the long-standing relationship between the two nations, while Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed Ghana’s dedication to nurturing the buoyant partnership.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
