Accra, Ghana — The President of the Ghanaian-Canadian Association of Ontario (GCAO), Mr. Emmanuel Duodu, recently concluded a productive visit to Ghana, aimed at strengthening bilateral relationships, exploring opportunities for diaspora engagement, and advancing discussions on direct connectivity and economic collaboration between Ghana and Canada.
A key focus of Mr. Duodu’s visit was to explore avenues for empowering the Ghanaian diaspora and bridging opportunities between Ghana and Canada. During his time in Accra, he engaged in several high-level meetings and discussions with government officials and stakeholders.
Mr. Duodu met with the Canadian Trade Commissioner at the Canadian High Commission to discuss ongoing developments critical to both countries. Key topics included support for Canadian-Ghanaian businesses, initiatives around direct flights between Canada and Ghana, and preparations for the upcoming CEO Summit in Calgary. Both parties committed to concrete follow-ups to ensure progress on these initiatives.
Mr. Duodu expressed profound gratitude to Honorable James Gyakye Quayson and Rev. Dr. Obie Agyeman for their exceptional support during his visit. In his words, “Hon. Quayson has proven to be a steadfast advocate for Ghanaians in the diaspora. Our initial meeting with him and Dr. Obie Agyeman provided a comprehensive platform to address a wide range of issues impacting our community abroad.”
Another pivotal moment in the visit was a meeting facilitated by Honorable Ahmed, Minister of Local Government, Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs which enabled Mr. Duodu to engage directly with the Minister of Transportation, Honorable Bukari Lipke.
The focus was on the implementation of direct flights between Canada and Ghana. Mr. Duodu emphasized the strategic importance of such connectivity, noting its broader implications on business supply chains. The Transportation Minister acknowledged the importance of the matter and announced the establishment of a task force to move the agenda forward.
Further strengthening the visit’s impact, Mr. Duodu visited the Jubilee House, where he met Honorable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and Honorable Dzifa Gormashie, Minister for Tourism. Honorable Okudzeto Ablakwa is very supportive of the Ghanaians in the diaspora and is fully engaged. These discussions paved the way for a subsequent meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, facilitated again by Hon. Ahmed.
In this meeting with the Foreign Affairs Minister, accompanied by Hon. Quayson, Rev. Dr. Obie Agyeman, and Mr. Bismark Otoo, Mr. Duodu outlined four major priorities:
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The establishment of direct flights between Canada and Ghana to facilitate trade and travel;
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Relocation or improved access to the Diaspora Desk at Jubilee House, currently restricted due to increased security;
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The creation of a centralized Diaspora HUB in Ghana to support stakeholder engagement;
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The launch of Sankofa Square and the Ghanaian-Canadian Stake Book – a registry capturing the contributions, professions, and history of Ghanaian-Canadians.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs expressed strong support and a willingness to collaborate further on these initiatives.
Mr. Duodu concluded his trip by reaffirming his commitment to strengthening ties between Ghana and the Ghanaian diaspora in Canada. “This journey marks just the beginning of deeper engagement,” he said. “The outcomes of these meetings lay a solid foundation for future partnerships, and we look forward to working closely with all stakeholders to turn these discussions into action.”
