
Ghana and Canada have agreed to a development partnership to establish the nation’s first Women’s Development Bank, with Canada providing essential technical expertise. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the initiative following high-level discussions with Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Randeep Sarai. The project is designed to bolster financial inclusion and provide targeted support for women-led enterprises across the country.
Under the agreement, Canada will offer technical assistance to help structure the bank and ensure its operations align with international best practices in development finance. Minister Ablakwa noted that the collaboration is aimed at expanding economic opportunities and addressing the unique financial hurdles faced by women in business. This move is seen as a pivotal step in the government's broader strategy to drive gender-equitable economic growth through specialized institutional support.
Beyond the financial sector, the partnership includes a comprehensive framework for youth empowerment and vocational training. The two nations are setting up a skills development program to equip young Ghanaians with the digital literacy and professional certifications required for the global job market. This initiative also covers labour mobility, environmental protection, and legal mining practices, aiming to prepare the youth for evolving economic demands both at home and abroad.
The discussions also highlighted a mutual commitment to regional stability and an ongoing Africa-Canada dialogue for economic transformation. By integrating support for women’s economic activities with youth skills development, the partnership aligns with the Mahama administration’s focus on sustainable and inclusive development. Both governments expressed confidence that this technical cooperation will yield long-term benefits for Ghana’s socio-economic landscape.
graphic.com.gh
modernghana.com
citinewsroom.com