Ghana and Canada have stepped up bilateral engagements aimed at ensuring smooth immigration processes ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with particular attention to Ghanaians expected to travel to Canada for the global tournament.

The discussions took place when Ghana’s Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, held a bilateral meeting with Canada’s Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Dr. Harpreet S. Kochhar, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

At the meeting, Mr. Quayson highlighted the importance of close cooperation between the two countries on migration management, especially as Canada prepares to host part of the World Cup.

He assured that Ghana is ready to work with Canadian authorities to facilitate a smooth, safe and well-coordinated immigration process for Ghanaian nationals travelling for the tournament.

He also stressed the broader need for legal and orderly migration pathways, describing them as critical to reducing the risks associated with irregular migration.

Drawing attention to the skills and potential of Ghana’s youth, the Deputy Minister proposed that both countries explore a Memorandum of Understanding on labour mobility as a long-term solution to migration challenges.

Mr. Quayson commended the longstanding cordial relations between Ghana and Canada and called for deeper collaboration that delivers mutual benefits, particularly in the areas of migration governance and bilateral cooperation.

In response, Dr. Kochhar acknowledged Canada’s concerns about irregular migration but reaffirmed his country’s commitment to working closely with Ghana to ensure an efficient immigration process for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

He also expressed Canada’s readiness to deepen cooperation with Ghana across various sectors.

The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Samuel Basintale Amadu, was part of the Ghanaian delegation at the meeting.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, with Canada expected to receive a significant number of international visitors, including football fans from Ghana.