Ghana and Canada have signed a Letter of Intent to strengthen economic cooperation, as the two countries seek to deepen trade and build on nearly seven decades of diplomatic relations.
The document was signed in Ottawa by Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on behalf of the Ghanaian government, and his Canadian counterpart, Anita Anand, for the Canadian government.
The signing followed discussions between the two ministers on Ghana’s role in regional security, their longstanding cooperation in peacekeeping and broader bilateral relations. According to Global Affairs Canada, the talks formed part of efforts to strengthen cooperation on economic growth, development, peace and security.
The agreement comes against the backdrop of growing commercial ties between the two countries. Merchandise trade between Ghana and Canada reached US$752 million in 2025, making Ghana Canada’s eighth-largest merchandise trading partner in Africa, according to Global Affairs Canada.
Canada exported goods worth US$427 million to Ghana, a 35% increase from 2024, driven largely by higher automobile exports. Its main exports to Ghana included automobiles and cereals, while imports from Ghana were primarily cocoa and soya beans. Canadian imports from Ghana rose to US$325 million in 2025, nearly doubling the previous year’s figure.
Beyond trade, Canada has provided more than US$2.5 billion in development assistance to Ghana since 1957. Its support has included agriculture, health, inclusive economic growth and governance. The two countries also cooperate on peacekeeping, including through Canada’s Elsie Initiative, which has supported efforts to increase women’s meaningful participation in United Nations peace operations within the Ghana Armed Forces.
Ghana and Canada will mark 70 years of diplomatic relations in 2027. The signing of the Letter of Intent provides a fresh opportunity to advance their economic partnership, although the specific commitments and implementation measures under the document will be important in determining its practical impact.
During his visit, Ablakwa also engaged members of the Ghanaian diaspora in Canada, reaffirming the government’s recognition of the diaspora as an important part of Ghana’s development.
He reportedly told the gathering that the first flight operated by Ghana’s planned national carrier, expected to launch in 2027, would be a direct service between Canada and Ghana. The proposed route would need to be confirmed by the relevant aviation authorities and airline operators before it can be treated as an established service plan.
Ghana and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1957, the year Ghana gained independence. The two countries will mark 70 years of diplomatic ties in 2027, with cooperation spanning trade, development, peacekeeping and security
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