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Over the past seven years, Canada has invested more than USD 30 million in Ghana’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sector, aiming to equip young Ghanaians with the skills required for modern industries and the evolving labour market. This initiative reflects Canada’s commitment to fostering youth employment, entrepreneurship, and inclusive economic growth in Ghana.
Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, emphasized the country’s multi-faceted support for Ghana, highlighting contributions to healthcare, women’s leadership, and economic transformation. She remarked that technical and vocational training is a priority for Canada because it creates opportunities, supports industries, and develops the talent base needed for inclusive growth.
Montrat noted that the TVET investment is part of Canada’s long-standing development cooperation with Ghana, which has exceeded USD 2.5 billion in aid since Ghana’s independence. The funding aligns closely with Ghana’s renewed focus on skills development and job creation, which are central pillars of the nation’s broader economic transformation strategy.
Beyond vocational training, Canada has made significant contributions to Ghana’s health sector, supporting free primary healthcare and the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS). These programs benefit approximately four million people, particularly women, improving access to sexual and reproductive health services. Canadian-supported nutrition programs targeting 2.5 million adolescent girls have also helped reduce anaemia rates from 48% in 2022 to 43% in 2024.
Canadian funding has further supported women’s empowerment and leadership initiatives. Civil society organizations backed by Canada were instrumental in passing the Affirmative Action Law in 2024, and Canada continues to support its implementation at the local level, promoting greater female representation and leadership within communities.
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Canada and Ghana share strong economic ties, with Ghana ranking as Canada’s fifth-largest bilateral trading partner in sub-Saharan Africa. Two-way merchandise trade reached USD 483 million in 2024, and Canadian mining assets in Ghana are valued at over USD 1.1 billion.
Through the Trade Commissioner Service, Canada is expanding collaboration in sectors including clean technology, infrastructure, ICT, sustainable mining, and agri-food processing. Ms. Montrat emphasized that Canada seeks to create favorable conditions for sustainable investment and entrepreneurship, highlighting transparency, stability, and innovation as key factors in attracting new business and deepening bilateral ties.
This multi-dimensional partnership underscores Canada’s long-term commitment to Ghana’s development, supporting economic growth, human capital development, and social empowerment for a sustainable and inclusive future.