By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi | Accra, Ghana for GhanaianNewsCanada 27/1/2027
Accra, Ghana — 26 January 2026 — The Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM Ghana) marked a major milestone this week, celebrating 10 years of impactful business engagement between Ghana and Canada with a dynamic 10th Anniversary & Media Launch event in Accra. The occasion brought together business leaders, diplomats, government representatives, and key stakeholders to reflect on a decade of fostering trade, investment, innovation and partnership between the two nations.
Founded in 2016, CANCHAM Ghana has served as an influential platform connecting Ghanaian and Canadian enterprises, empowering market access, export opportunities, networking, and policy dialogue that foster sustainable economic cooperation. Over the past decade, the Chamber has organized a portfolio of events, workshops and initiatives aimed at unlocking bilateral commercial growth and strengthening international business ties.
A Decade of Partnership and Progress
The celebratory media launch highlighted the Chamber’s journey from inception to its present stature as a trusted facilitator of Canada-Ghana commerce. Attendees were reminded of the institutional role CANCHAM has played in supporting investment pipelines, promoting trade linkages, and enabling member firms to tap into new markets. Leaders underscored the collaborative spirit that has defined the Canada-Ghana business ecosystem.
The event served not only as a celebration but also as a platform for thought leadership on future trade opportunities — particularly within sectors such as renewables, agribusiness, technology, and SME capacity building where bilateral synergies continue to expand.
Keynote Speakers & Highlights
The media launch featured remarks from high-profile guest speakers representing diplomatic, commercial, and civil society sectors. Among them:
H.E. Myriam Montrat the High Commissioner of Canada to Ghana — delivered remarks emphasizing Canada’s ongoing commitment to deepening economic engagement with Ghana. The High Commissioner highlighted Canada’s policies aimed at enhancing trade, investment, and practical partnerships that benefit both countries’ private sectors.
Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana
Speaking at the ceremony, the High Commissioner of Canada to Ghana congratulated the Chamber, its leadership, and staff for building what she described as a dynamic and enduring institution.
“Ten years is never just a number,” the High Commissioner noted. “It is proof of purpose, proof of recognition, and proof that when people come together with commitment and shared values, they can build something that lasts and grows stronger with time.”
She emphasized that the anniversary goes beyond a celebration of longevity, describing it as a symbol of hope, bridge-building, and forward movement in Canada–Ghana relations.
The High Commissioner also acknowledged the broader global context in which the Chamber has operated, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions, shifting global trade patterns, and economic uncertainty. Despite these challenges, she said, the Canada–Ghana partnership has remained resilient.
“Even in the face of global disruptions, we are not diminished but strengthened, not discouraged but inspired,” she said, adding that Canada continues to stand firm in promoting democratic values, economic cooperation, and respect for national sovereignty.
She commended the Chamber for serving as a vital platform that connects businesses, encourages investment, and deepens bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Speaking in an interview with the media, the Vice President of CANCHAM, Mrs. Linda Vasnani described the Canada–Ghana business relationship as one that goes beyond traditional foreign investment, focusing instead on value addition, skills transfer, and mutual growth.
“This is not a partnership where a foreign company simply comes in to operate,” the Vice President said. “It is about adding value — ensuring that local companies grow stronger and that Canadian companies also become better through collaboration.”
The Vice President also emphasized the role of networking and intra-member trade, noting that many member companies have successfully conducted business among themselves as a result of CANCHAM-led programmes.
A key focus over the years has been the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), as well as promoting women participation and inclusion in business. In the early years, many Ghanaian SMEs were not adequately positioned to engage in international business, particularly with Canadian firms. CANCHAM has since worked to build capacity, especially in corporate governance, so local companies can confidently engage with multinationals.
Looking ahead, the Vice President identified development financing as one of the Chamber’s key priority areas. “Many SMEs can do much more if they have access to the right financing options,” they explained. “One of our priorities is to attract investors who can support our member companies and help them scale.”
The Vice President further revealed that the 10th-anniversary celebrations will extend throughout the year, featuring a series of high-profile business events. Among these are an international CEO-focused festival bringing together business leaders from Canada and other parts of the world, and the Chamber’s flagship T-Mall Connect event, which will convene business stakeholders to discuss key issues affecting Ghana’s business environment.
As CANCHAM enters its next decade, it reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening Canada–Ghana trade relations, supporting inclusive growth, and creating opportunities for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
Executive Secretary Highlights Strategic Vision
Delivering a keynote address, the Executive Secretary of the Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Edwina Atta-Sonno underscored the Chamber’s institutional journey and future ambitions.
The Executive Secretary stated that CANCHAM was founded to serve as a bridge between Ghanaian and Canadian businesses, reducing barriers to trade and creating a trusted space for engagement, learning and partnerships.
Highlight of CANCHAM Programs & Events for 2026
Among the flagship programs is the Watch Initiative, developed in collaboration with the Grandnyet Scholarship Foundation, Jodo, and the Fourth Line Management Consortium. Scheduled for June, the initiative aims to unite high-profile industry leaders, venture capitalists, executives, policymakers, and cultural stakeholders from Ghana, India, and beyond. Leveraging the excitement of the World Cup, the initiative seeks to drive business growth for global products and foster cross-border collaboration, featuring expert panels, community-based working sessions, and cultural showcase exhibits.
The Executive Secretary also highlighted CANCHAM’s ongoing five-year training mission, conducted in partnership with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Initially focused on mining, energy, education, and transportation, the program will now expand to healthcare, tourism, logistics, services, and agribusiness. These missions are designed to deliver practical outcomes, providing CANCHAM members with access to African and global markets, strategic partnerships, and essential skills for sustainable business growth.
Looking ahead, CANCHAM will host its flagship Business Summit in August. This premier event will bring together CEOs, government policymakers, and innovators for high-level dialogue and collaboration. A central component will be the Global Collaboration Pitching under the Light of Africa, a platform enabling emerging businesses to showcase ideas and form strategic partnerships with global stakeholders.
“Through initiatives like the Watch Initiative, our training missions, and the Business Summit, we are creating opportunities that go beyond borders,” the Executive Secretary said. “Our goal is simple: to empower our members with authentic market access, strategic partnerships, and sustainable growth skills.” These initiatives reaffirm CANCHAM’s commitment to strengthening Ghana–Canada trade relations, promoting inclusive growth, and positioning Ghana as a hub for international business and cultural exchange.
Entering a New Decade
The 10th Anniversary and Media Launch also served as a platform to formally present CANCHAM Ghana’s renewed strategic direction, branding and outreach to the wider business community and media.
As the Chamber enters its next decade, leadership expressed optimism about expanding its footprint, deepening stakeholder engagement and positioning Ghana and Canada for stronger economic cooperation in a rapidly changing global environment.
The celebration ended with networking sessions, reaffirming CANCHAM Ghana’s role as a trusted convener and catalyst for bilateral trade and investment.
About the Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM Ghana)
The Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (CANCHAM Ghana) was established in 2016 to serve as a dedicated platform for strengthening trade, investment and commercial cooperation between Ghana and Canada. Over the past decade, the Chamber has evolved into a trusted business institution, playing a strategic role in connecting companies, investors and policymakers from both countries.
CANCHAM Ghana operates with a clear mandate to promote bilateral trade, facilitate market entry, encourage responsible investment, and provide practical business support services to its members. Through advocacy, networking events, trade missions, policy dialogues and capacity-building programmes, the Chamber has helped businesses navigate regulatory environments and unlock growth opportunities across key sectors.
The Chamber works closely with stakeholders including the Government of Ghana, the Government of Canada, diplomatic missions, investment promotion agencies, development partners and the private sector. This collaborative approach has positioned CANCHAM as an important bridge between public and private interests, fostering transparency, trust and long-term partnerships.
As Ghana continues to position itself as a gateway to West Africa, CANCHAM Ghana remains committed to supporting sustainable development, innovation, inclusive growth and private-sector-led transformation. With a renewed vision and strategic focus, the Chamber enters its second decade poised to deepen Canada-Ghana economic relations and create greater value for businesses on both sides of the Atlantic.
