Ghanaian government officials and business leaders presented the Ghana 24-Hour Economy agenda in Toronto, Canada. The Ghana-Canada Investment Forum, held on June 15, 2026, brought together 135 participants. They explored new opportunities for investment and economic partnership between the two countries.
This forum aimed to attract Canadian investment, expertise, and technology to Ghana. Ghana seeks to expand productive activity across manufacturing and agro-processing. It also targets logistics, energy, and tourism sectors. Ras Mubarak, representing Dr. Julius Debrah, stated Ghana is open for business. He invited Canadian investors to support these initiatives. The event served as a platform to brand Ghana as a gateway to Africa.
Ghana’s active engagement with international investors aligns with its broader economic strategy. The nation seeks to boost its industrial capacity and export potential. The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) provides access to a market of more than 1.5 billion people. Positioned as the host of the AfCFTA Secretariat, Ghana highlights its strategic importance. Such forums are crucial for attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) into key sectors. This supports government efforts to stabilise the economy and create jobs.
Esther A. N. Cobbah, CEO of Stratcomm Africa, emphasised Ghana’s appeal. She said Ghana offers investors access to the wider African market. “Ghana is a stepping stone towards a wider engagement with the African continent,” she asserted. Her statements encourage investors to view Ghana as a gateway to Africa’s resources and workforce. The long-standing relationship between Ghana and Canada includes historic technical support. Petro-Canada International Assistance Corporation provided support to the Ghana National Petroleum Corporation (GNPC).
The forum’s discussions touched on several key areas. These included investment opportunities, economic reforms, and supply chain innovations. Participants also discussed diaspora engagement and tourism development. The event concluded with a cocktail and deal-room networking session. This allowed Ghanaian and Canadian businesses to initiate discussions on potential partnerships. Universal Merchant Bank and GNPC sponsored the event. They supported initiatives to advance Ghana’s investment opportunities globally. Follow-up engagements are expected in the coming months.
The 24-Hour Economy initiative aims to transform Ghana’s economic landscape. It seeks to create a more dynamic and competitive business environment. Increased operational hours can lead to higher productivity and employment. This strategy aligns with Ghana’s ambition to become an industrial hub in West Africa. Such trade missions are vital for showcasing Ghana’s potential for sustainable economic growth.
Discussions at the forum also addressed the need for credible partnerships. Strong financial management and increased artificial intelligence (AI) literacy were also highlighted. These factors are important as Ghana implements the education and workforce components of its National AI Strategy. Improved AI literacy among young people will support technological advancements. This will further enhance Ghana’s attractiveness as an investment destination. The forum also raised funds for the Ga Mantse Foundation.