President John Dramani Mahama has called for stronger cooperation between Ghana and Canada, stressing the need for countries committed to multilateralism and a rules-based international order to work more closely together.
He made the call during a bilateral engagement with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the sidelines of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
President Mahama recalled Canada’s longstanding development partnership with Ghana, highlighting its past support through the Canadian International Development Agency, CIDA, particularly in rural communities in northern Ghana.
He said Ghana had historically benefited from Canada’s development assistance and expressed optimism about expanding cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
The President also commended Prime Minister Carney for his advocacy on global governance, particularly his concerns about the weakening of multilateral institutions and the growing trend of unilateral actions by some countries.
President Mahama further drew attention to what he described as inequalities in the global climate financing system, noting that Africa contributes only a small proportion of global emissions but bears a disproportionate share of the effects of climate change.
He argued that African countries also face higher borrowing costs when seeking funds to address climate-related challenges.
President Mahama said the prevailing global circumstances present an opportunity for Ghana and Canada, alongside other countries in the Global South, to strengthen partnerships and defend the principles of multilateral cooperation and a rules-based international system.
CANADA, GHANA TO DEEPEN COOPERATION IN ENERGY, CRITICAL MINERALS AND TRADE
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has expressed Canada’s readiness to deepen bilateral cooperation with Ghana in key sectors, including energy, critical minerals, trade and development.
Mr. Carney made the remarks during an interaction with President John Dramani Mahama following the opening ceremony of the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St. John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
The Canadian Prime Minister noted that discussions were already underway following a recent visit to Canada by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
He said both countries were exploring a broad range of cooperation opportunities beyond the signing of memoranda of understanding.
Mr. Carney also acknowledged President Mahama’s efforts towards resetting Ghana’s domestic and international engagements.
The interaction highlights ongoing efforts by Ghana and Canada to strengthen diplomatic and economic relations, with particular attention to strategic sectors that could advance trade, investment and development.
