Canada and Ghana continue to share shared ideals and commitments in advancing the rights of women and girls, according to Madam Martine Moreau, the High Commissioner of Canada to Ghana.
She said that in order to advance social advancement and sustainable development while realising the full potential of women, both countries recognised gender equality and women’s economic empowerment as critical issues.
Speaking at the “2023 Canada Day” reception at her residence in Accra, the High Commissioner stated that Canada and Ghana were committed to gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and meaningful participation of women and girls in all aspects of society.
She said, “Indeed, the evidence is clear that this common endeavour is highly effective in catalysing economic growth and achieving sustainable development.”
The festive evening on Wednesday, to mark the 156th Canada Day celebration, brought together the Canadian community in Ghana, Diplomatic Corps, Ministers of State, some CEOs of State Enterprises, and the media, among others, who were treated to live band music.
Canada Day is significant because it commemorates the anniversary of the nation’s confederation, which occurred on July 1, 1867, when the British North American colonies of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and the Province of Canada united to form the Dominion of Canada.
On this day, Canadians of all backgrounds and cultures come together from coast-to-coast in patriotic celebration of the values, principles and democratic freedoms.
Madam Moreau stated that Canada shared many of those values and principles with Ghanaians and was rightly proud of their long-standing relationships, which continued to thrive on a foundation of mutual respect, genuine friendship, common ideals, shared priorities, and multifaceted partnerships.
Such multifaceted collaborations, she said, date back to the early 1960s, when Canada established its first African bilateral development programme in Ghana shortly after independence.
Ghana, according to the High Commissioner, is one of Canada’s most important international partners, having received more than 2.5 billion dollars in development assistance to date.
She stated that Canada and Ghana would continue to collaborate to promote economic growth, improve health, sanitation, and agricultural systems, and address climate change, while also supporting Ghana’s evolving priorities in accordance with the Beyond Aid Strategy and the implementation of Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.
“Through a broad range of approaches, Canada supports Ghanaian organisations and initiatives through the country in promoting inclusive governance, democracy, human rights, women and youth empowerment.” Madam Moreau said.
She noted that, “close alignment and partnerships with friends are absolutely essential, as we navigate through an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
The High Commissioner stated that Canada and Ghana shared common goals in support of peace, democracy, and a rules-based international order, and that “we maintain a productive partnership with the Ghana Armed Forces and the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, which includes women, peace, and security agenda,” among other things.
Madam Lariba Zuweura Abudu, Minister, Gender and Social Protection, in her remarks, said Canada had long been an exemplar in championing human rights, advancing gender equality, children’s rights, and social protection.
“Your nation’s unwavering commitment to these principles serves as an inspiration to many countries around the world, including Ghana,” she said, and that Ghana appreciated the knowledge-sharing initiatives and technical support from Canada to enable Ghana to enhance its policies and programmes in those critical areas.
The Gender and Social Protection Minister said she recognised the significance of the collective efforts of Ghana and Canada in safeguarding the rights and well-being of our citizens, particularly the most vulnerable.
She said Ghana and Canada could further deepen their collaboration and commitment to advancing gender equality, protecting children’s rights, and ensuring the welfare of all their citizens, including persons with disabilities.
She said, “In Ghana, we have been working diligently to strengthen our policies and institutions to promote gender equality and empower women.”
The Minister said Ghana acknowledged the immense potential of women and the critical role they played in national development; hence it was fostering an environment that enabled women to thrive economically, socially and politically.
She commended Canada’s efforts in advancing gender equality, climate action, and inclusive growth, and that the collaboration in those areas had a profound impact on the lives of the people, and both countries must remain committed to working together to achieve even greater results.