Trade between Ghana and Canada grew by 56 per cent to US$752 million in 2025, highlighting a growing shift in bilateral relations from development assistance to trade, investment and private sector collaboration.
The latest figures were announced by Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, during Canada’s 159th National Day reception in Accra, where she described the increase as evidence of strengthening commercial ties between the two countries.
According to the High Commissioner, Canadian businesses are increasingly bringing technology, expertise and innovation to Ghana, contributing to the country’s economic transformation.
“Through trade and investment, Canadian companies are contributing expertise, technology and innovation to Ghana’s development. In 2025, trade between Canada and Ghana reached US$752 million, a 56 per cent increase,” she said.
She noted that the growth demonstrates strong demand for deeper economic engagement and announced that Canada will host an investment summit later this year to showcase investment opportunities and attract international investors, including Ghanaian businesses.
Ghana and Canada established diplomatic relations in 1957, shortly after Ghana gained independence. For decades, the partnership focused primarily on official development assistance, technical cooperation and capacity building in sectors such as education, health, agriculture, governance, mining, water and sanitation, and clean energy.
However, over the past decade, both countries have increasingly prioritised trade, investment and private sector-led growth as the foundation of their economic relationship.
The transition aligns with Ghana’s broader strategy of attracting foreign direct investment, diversifying exports and integrating into global value chains while reducing reliance on concessional financing.
Canada’s Africa Strategy and Ghana’s role as host of the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) have also created new opportunities for commercial engagement.
Current trade patterns reflect the complementary strengths of both economies. Canada’s exports to Ghana are dominated by higher value-added products, including cereals, machinery, transport equipment, pharmaceuticals and industrial goods.
Meanwhile, Ghana’s exports to Canada remain concentrated in primary commodities such as cocoa and cocoa products, gold, soya beans and other agricultural products.
The evolving trade relationship presents opportunities for greater value addition in sectors including agribusiness, renewable energy, digital technology and manufacturing.
Speaking at the event, the Minister for Energy and Green Transition, Dr. John Abdulai Jinapor, said Ghana views the evolving relationship as an opportunity to build a stronger investment partnership anchored on innovation, technology transfer and sustainable economic growth.
He noted that sectors such as agribusiness, renewable energy, digital transformation, responsible mining, manufacturing and infrastructure offer significant potential for investment, employment creation and inclusive development.
Dr. Jinapor added that Ghana welcomes the transition from traditional development cooperation to a commercially driven partnership that supports industrialisation and long-term economic growth.
Beyond trade and investment, both countries reaffirmed their commitment to cooperation in peace and security, climate action, education and multilateral engagement.
With bilateral trade reaching a record high and growing policy alignment around the AfCFTA, analysts expect Ghana and Canada to deepen investment flows, strengthen value chain integration and expand commercial partnerships over the coming years.
