Canada’s High Commissioner Advocates for Reforms to Boost Investment in Ghana

Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, has called for essential reforms in Ghana’s business and regulatory environment to enhance international trade and attract investment.

Speaking at the Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce’s end-of-year celebration, Montrat stressed that these reforms are crucial for unlocking Ghana’s economic potential and improving trade relations with Canada and other global partners.

“Ghana has much work to do toward reforming the business and regulatory environment to better welcome international trade and investment,” said Montrat.

She emphasized that sustained advocacy and collaboration with like-minded partners are key to driving these reforms forward.

While acknowledging the progress made in Canada-Ghana relations, she urged a shift from discussing potential opportunities to achieving tangible trade and investment results.

“In our commercial relations, particularly, we need to move beyond talking about the great potential of increased trade and investment toward actual results,” she stated.

The High Commissioner called for continuous advocacy and cooperation with diplomatic missions and chambers of commerce to overcome existing barriers.

“We need to continuously engage in advocacy with like-minded diplomatic missions and their national chambers to apply the necessary pressure for positive reforms,” she said. “On our side, Canada needs to improve our awareness of the economic opportunities that Ghana represents. These are challenging times economically, but we must have sustained engagement between our companies to establish relationships that foster long-term growth and mutual prosperity.”

Strengthening Partnerships

Montrat reiterated Canada’s commitment to fostering mutual prosperity and encouraged Ghanaian businesses to take advantage of Canada’s expertise in areas like sustainable resource development, research, and education.

She also pledged to collaborate with the Trade Commissioner team to open doors for Canadian businesses in Ghana and strengthen people-to-people ties.

“Please make us your partner of choice in business,” she urged, highlighting Canada’s values of quality, innovation, and integrity.

Looking forward, the High Commissioner expressed optimism for Ghana’s economic recovery in 2025, urging stakeholders to use 2024 as a year to cultivate growth and collaboration.

“Let us make next year a record one for bilateral commercial success stories,” she encouraged, calling for regular engagement between Ghanaian and Canadian businesses.

CanCham’s Commitment

Linda K. Vasnani, President of the Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (CanCham), commended members and stakeholders for their contributions during 2024, which she described as a year of significant achievements for the Chamber. She reaffirmed the Chamber’s commitment to driving development and focusing on strategic partnerships in the coming year.

Looking ahead, Vasnani outlined CanCham’s goals for 2025, which include expanding bilateral trade between Ghana and Canada, strengthening advocacy for the business community, and organizing strategic networking events. The Chamber will also continue to build capacity through webinars and training initiatives.

She acknowledged the unwavering support of CanCham’s council members, emphasizing that the Chamber’s success is owed to their dedication.

Awards and Recognition

At the event, outstanding members of the Chamber were recognized for their contributions to strengthening trade relations between Ghana and Canada. Consolidated Shipping Agencies Limited was named CanCham Member of the Year, while Edward William Wiafe received the Executive Leadership Award. Other winners included Base Pharmacy Company Limited, Sewia Mining Company Limited, and M&G Logistics Limited, among others.