Ghana values cordial relationship with Canada

Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, His Excellency Dr. Richard B. Turkson has lauded the cordial historic relationship between Ghana and Canada.
Speaking in both English and French at a reception organized in commemoration of Ghana’s 53rd Independence Anniversary for members of the Diplomatic Corps in the Canadian Capital City, Ottawa, and the Ghanaian High Commissioner noted that Canada has been one of Ghana’s long-standing partners. The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is the longest-running African program (i.e. from 1957 to 2002). “We acknowledge the goodwill Ghana enjoys among Canadians which has translated into greater economic collaboration between our two countries. Our relations are very cordial and warm. It is appropriate on this occasion to express the appreciation of the Government and people of Ghana to the Government and people of Canada for the various forms of assistance Ghana has been receiving from Canada over the years”, he noted.
Expressing satisfaction and optimism on Ghana-Canada collaboration, Dr. Turkson noted with satisfaction the increase in the volume of Canadian investments in Ghana since 1994. Canadian investments are in the areas of engineering services, management consultancy, mining, geometrics, infrastructural development, finance, fisheries and health services. About 70 Canadian companies currently operate in Ghana. The High Commissioner expressed the hope that Ghana can do with more investments from Canada given the vast opportunities especially in the area of food and agro-processing.
Touching on the discovery of oil, Dr. Turkson noted that this huge oil discovery calls for investments in the area of management services to build local capacity for the sector. The discovery of oil in commercial quantities in 2006, its projected production and export later this year add to Ghana’s optimism for 2010 and beyond. He therefore called on all potential investors to venture into Ghana’s promising economy, where better returns are assured.
On behalf of Government of Ghana the High Commissioner announced that Ghana has declared September, 21st a statutory public holiday in Ghana, to immortalize the country’s founder, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, whose birthday falls on that day. It was declared to mark the centenary of Dr. Nkrumah’s birthday. At the 13th Ordinary Summit of the African Union in Libya, the AU also adopted the centenary birthday celebration of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah as a continental event. This is to underscore the fact that five decades on, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah’s ideal of the “African Personality” and vision of a continental union still live on.
The High Commissioner also noted that outlook for Ghana in 2010 and beyond is promising given government’s intention to continue on the path of fiscal discipline and social policy initiatives as well as the active promotion of private sector development and competitiveness.
Turning his attention to his Ghanaian Compatriots in the Diaspora, Dr. Richard Turkson emphasized that the present administration in Ghana considers Ghanaians abroad as an integral part of the country, an essential foundation for its development endeavors, as well as a vital link with the rest of the world.
He called on Ghanaians in the Diaspora to re-dedicate themselves as responsible citizens both to their host societies and to Ghana. He promised that the Government of Ghana will play its part in the nation’s development and called on Ghanaians in the Diaspora to also play their part to make Ghana the country we are so proud of.
Picture: High Commissioner Dr. Richard Turkson delivering his speech, with Mr. Francis D. Kotia Head of Chancery.