Ghana’s High Commissioner to Canada, Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening economic cooperation, diplomatic relations and global partnerships as the country marked its 69th Independence Anniversary with a series of events in Canada.

The Ghana High Commission in Ottawa commemorated the national milestone with a flag-raising ceremony, diplomatic reception and an open-house week designed to deepen engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora and strengthen relations with Canada and the international diplomatic community.

The celebrations were held in honour of the Ghana Independence Day, which marks the country’s liberation from British colonial rule on March 6, 1957, under the leadership of Kwame Nkrumah.

Flag-raising ceremony and diplomatic reception

The commemorative activities began on Friday morning with a ceremonial raising of the Ghanaian flag at the High Commission in Ottawa, symbolising the country’s sovereignty, unity and democratic progress since independence.

Later in the evening, diplomats, members of the Ghanaian diaspora, Canadian officials and representatives of the international community gathered for a diplomatic reception celebrating Ghana’s independence and its longstanding partnership with Canada.

Addressing guests at the reception, Prof. Edu-Buandoh emphasised Ghana’s readiness to expand economic cooperation and investment opportunities with Canada and other international partners.

“Ghana is open for business,” she declared, stressing that the West African nation remains committed to strengthening its bonds of friendship and cooperation with Canada and with other countries represented at the event.

She added that Ghana would continue to work with global partners toward peace, sustainable development and shared prosperity.

Strengthening Ghana–Canada relations

The High Commissioner noted that Ghana and Canada share a longstanding relationship built on mutual respect, trade cooperation and development partnerships.

Over the years, Canada has been a key partner in Ghana’s development, supporting initiatives in education, governance, gender equality, agriculture and economic growth.

Trade between the two countries has also grown steadily, with Ghana exporting products such as gold, cocoa, timber and agricultural commodities to Canada, while Canadian companies maintain significant investments in Ghana’s mining, energy and infrastructure sectors.

Ghana is also home to several Canadian mining companies operating in the gold industry, which remains one of the country’s largest export earners.

Engagement with the Ghanaian diaspora

As part of the celebrations, the High Commission organised an open-week programme, inviting members of the Ghanaian community in Canada and the general public to visit the mission and learn more about its diplomatic and consular work.

The initiative provided an opportunity for visitors to interact with officials of the mission, understand how diplomatic missions operate and explore avenues for diaspora participation in Ghana’s national development.

The Ghanaian diaspora in Canada is estimated to number tens of thousands of professionals, students and entrepreneurs who continue to contribute to Ghana’s economy through remittances, investments and knowledge exchange.

Toast to partnership and prosperity

Concluding her address at the diplomatic reception, Prof. Edu-Buandoh raised a toast celebrating the friendship between Ghana and Canada as well as the broader international community.

“This evening we toast to the continued prosperity of Ghana and Canada,” she said. “To the enduring friendship between our peoples and the peoples of all countries gathered here.”

She ended with a patriotic message and prayer for the nation.

“God bless our homeland, Ghana and make our nation great and strong.”

Ghana at 69

This year’s Independence Day celebrations come at a time when Ghana continues to pursue economic recovery, deepen democratic governance and strengthen international partnerships as part of its development agenda.

Across the world, Ghanaian diplomatic missions marked the anniversary with ceremonies highlighting the country’s progress since independence and reaffirming its commitment to global cooperation.

For the High Commissioner, the celebrations in Canada reflected both Ghana’s national pride and its forward-looking diplomatic vision.

“Independence reminds us not only of our history,” she noted, “but also of our shared responsibility to build a stronger future for our country and our partners around the world.”