Diplomatic relations

In 1906, Quebec missionaries established a church in Navrongo in northern Ghana, marking the arrival of a Canadian presence in the country. Bilateral relations between Canada and Ghana are strong and based on more than 60 years of global cooperation, particularly in the United Nations and the Commonwealth. Ghana has established strong democratic credentials. Freedom of expression, a dynamic press and an active civil society are part of the Ghanaian political landscape.

Canada in Ghana

Canada is represented by the High Commission of Canada in Ghana in Accra. Ghana has maintained a diplomatic presence in Canada through its high commission in Ottawa. Ghana is also represented by consulates in Vancouver, Toronto and Montréal.

Common memberships

Relations between Canada and Ghana are based on more than 60 years of cooperation on the global scene, in particular in the United Nations, La Francophonie and the Commonwealth.

Trade and investments

Trade relations

In 2018, two-way merchandise trade between Canada and Ghana reached over $341 million. Canadian exports totalled more than $264.6 million while imports from Ghana reached $77.2 million. The main Canadian exports included cereals, vehicles and parts, machinery, textiles and beverages. The main imports from Ghana included cocoa, rubber, mineral ores and wood.

Export Development Canada has designated Ghana as one of its key markets in Africa. Other organizations of interest with a presence in the country are the Canadian Commercial Corporation and the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce.

Development and humanitarian assistance

• Ghana was the first country in Africa to receive development assistance from Canada in 1957. It has received more than $2.5 billion in development assistance from Canada since then.
• Ghana is among the largest recipients of Canadian international assistance. Most assistance comes through bilateral development assistance ($52.32 million of a total $88.02 million in 2016-2017).
• Canada’s bilateral development program focuses on the following priorities:
  • supporting climate-smart agriculture as an engine for inclusive and sustainable economic growth
  • improving access to and use of affordable and nutritious foods
  • increasing access to sanitation and hygiene services in under-served areas
  • stimulating sustainable economic measures and reducing barriers to doing business
  • promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls
• Through multilateral organizations and Canadian partners, Canada’s support to Ghana ($14.91 million in 2016-2017) focuses on improving sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as education, and creating economic opportunities for poor and vulnerable populations. Ghana also benefits from Canada’s regional programming in Africa, which supports sectors such as natural resource governance, intra-African trade, inclusive economic growth, infrastructure and agriculture. 

Peace and security

• Canada provides training to the Ghana Armed Forces through the Department of National Defence’s Military Training & Cooperation Program, which aims to enhance the interoperability of peace support operations among Canada’s partners, and expand and reinforce bilateral defence relations.
• In 2018, Canada and the Ghana Armed Forces announced the establishment of a bilateral training and technical assistance partnership through the Elsie Initiative for Women in Peace Operations in order to increase the Ghana Armed Forces’ deployment of women to UN peace operations. Ghana is also a member of the Elsie Initiative Contact Group.