NEWS RELEASE

Canadian Parliamentarians conclude Bilateral Mission to the Republic of Ghana

As part of its mandate to enhance exchanges between Canadian and African parliamentarians, the Canada–Africa Parliamentary Association travelled to Accra, Ghana from 21–27 May 2022. Four members of the association took part in the productive bilateral mission, including the Association Co-Chair, the Hon. Amina Gerba, Senator, the Hon. René Cormier, Senator, Yves Perron, M.P., and Douglas Shipley, M.P.

The delegation met with officials and stakeholders to discuss both the challenges and opportunities that lie in store for Ghana. Sessions included a meeting with the Speaker of Ghana’s Parliament, the Rt. Hon. Alban Bagbin, and meetings with members of various parliamentary committees.

During the trip, the delegation discussed political, economic, and human rights issues facing Ghana with organizations promoting women’s rights, freedom of the press, and transparency and good governance. The delegation was also grateful to discuss areas of collaboration between Canada and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in Ghana during a working visit.

Given that the Association’s visit coincided with the African Development Bank Group’s 2022 Annual Meetings in Accra, the delegation attended the event’s opening ceremonies and met with the President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina. The delegation also met with H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General of Africa Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat. This was a particularly important visit for the delegation given the enormous potential of the free trade area, which deserves recognition for Canadian parliamentarians and guidance from Canada.

“The Annual Meetings of the African Development Bank Group provided the perfect backdrop for the Association’s first travel since being grounded by COVID-19.” Senator Gerba stated. Our meetings highlighted the many areas in which Canada and Ghana can work together to improve issues raised by stakeholders in tandem with economic development. The work of parliamentarians is essential in constructing links between Canada and Ghana, as well as all the countries of the African continent.

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ABOUT: Established in 2003, the Canada–Africa Parliamentary Association promotes exchanges between African and Canadian parliamentarians and proposes initiatives aimed at fostering better mutual understanding of national and international problems. In addition, the Association works to develop ties with regional parliamentary groupings and the Pan-African Parliament.

For more information, please contact:

Ms. Céline Ethier, Association Secretary, CAAF@parl.gc.ca, 613-944-7370