By Isaac ASARE OWUSU
Trade and investment relations between Ghana and Canada are expected to expand significantly in the coming years, driven by shared priorities in agriculture, value addition, infrastructure, responsible mining and diaspora-led investment.
The Senior Trade Commissioner and Commercial Counsellor at the High Commission of Canada to Ghana, Waqas I. Yousafzai, said the relationship is entering a more strategic and business-focused phase. Speaking in an interview with Radio Ghana in Accra, he noted that although bilateral trade is currently just under US$500million, it does not reflect the full potential between the two countries.
“We are not satisfied with where two-way trade is,” he said, adding that stronger public–private partnerships (PPPs) could help align Canada’s expertise with Ghana’s development needs.
Century-old ties, renewed economic focus
Ghana and Canada have maintained diplomatic relations for more than 100 years, spanning trade, development cooperation, defence, immigration and people-to-people links. Mr. Yousafzai said Canada is keen to deepen the economic aspect of the partnership, particularly by supporting Ghana’s private sector and industrial growth.
He described Ghana as a key partner in West and Sub-Saharan Africa, citing its political stability and strategic role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). With the AfCFTA Secretariat based in Accra, he said Ghana is well-positioned to serve as a hub for wider Canada–Africa trade.
However, he stressed the need for improved and harmonised customs systems across Africa to fully unlock the bloc’s potential. He added that Canada generally prefers engaging with large trade blocs, making AfCFTA an attractive long-term partner, while bilateral arrangements could also be explored.
PPPs and development-linked trade
Canada is increasingly using public–private partnerships to link development support with trade and investment. Under this approach, public funds are used to reduce risk and attract private capital into sectors such as agriculture, education, clean technology and infrastructure.
“When development and trade work together, the impact is bigger and more sustainable,” Mr. Yousafzai said.
Mining and galamsey challenges
On mining, he said Canada remains a global leader in responsible mining and ESG standards, even though Canadian mining assets in Ghana have declined. He emphasised the importance of policy consistency, regulatory clarity and security of tenure to attract long-term investment.
He also raised concerns about illegal mining (galamsey), describing it as a major threat to legitimate investors, water bodies and community safety. According to him, tackling galamsey and providing a clear long-term vision for Ghana’s extractive sector would improve investor confidence and open the door to greater collaboration, including in critical minerals.
Agriculture and value addition
Agriculture was identified as a major area for deeper cooperation. Mr. Yousafzai said Canada is keen to support Ghana’s shift from exporting raw commodities to local processing and value addition.
He cited government initiatives such as the Feed Ghana Programme and proposed district agro-processing centres as areas where Canadian expertise in mechanisation, food processing, packaging and cold-chain systems could be applied.
Clean technology and environment
Canada’s strengths in clean technology, water treatment and environmental protection could also support Ghana’s efforts to address water pollution linked to illegal mining. Mr. Yousafzai warned about the health and environmental risks associated with chemicals such as mercury and cyanide, noting that Canadian firms could help mitigate these risks.
Diaspora ties and direct flights
With more than 100,000 Ghanaians living in Canada, diaspora engagement remains central to the relationship. Mr. Yousafzai said these links support trade, investment and skills transfer.
He also welcomed the Air Transport Agreement signed in early 2025, which will allow direct passenger and cargo flights between the two countries from mid-2026. He said the agreement would reduce travel time and costs, making business and tourism easier.
Positive outlook
Mr. Yousafzai expressed optimism about the future of Ghana–Canada trade relations, citing strong policy alignment and Ghana’s growing regional importance.
“The opportunity is there. What we need now is execution,” he said, adding that Canada’s new Africa Strategy prioritises trade expansion, sustainable development and coordinated partnerships, while Ghana’s focus on agriculture, infrastructure and diaspora engagement makes the partnership a “natural fit”.
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