May 14- 2026

Her Excellency Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, High Commissioner of the Republic of Ghana to Canada, undertook an official visit to Edmonton, Alberta, from 6^th to 9^th May 2026. The visit formed part of Ghana’s broader strategy to strengthen cooperation with Canadian provinces in trade and investment, innovation, agriculture, health, education, and diaspora engagement.

At the Alberta Legislature, Her Excellency paid a courtesy call on the Honourable Danielle Smith, Premier of Alberta. Discussions focused on advancing economic cooperation, promoting innovation-led partnerships, and identifying opportunities for mutually beneficial collaboration across priority sectors. The Premier welcomed Ghana’s interest in deepening ties with Alberta and expressed support for continued engagement.

Her Excellency also met Her Honour the Honourable Salma Lakhani, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, where exchanges highlighted the importance of people-to-people connections, education, and the contribution of the Ghanaian community to the province. She further held discussions with the Honourable Ric McIver, Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, and was introduced to Members of the Legislative Assembly, reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to strengthening sub-national relations.

Her Excellency thereafter paid a courtesy call on His Worship Andrew Knack, Mayor of Edmonton, at City Hall. The meeting provided an opportunity to exchange goodwill messages and reaffirm the cordial relations between Ghana and the City of Edmonton. Discussions touched on broad areas of mutual interest and explored avenues for strengthening cooperation between Edmonton and relevant Ghanaian institutions. The Mayor also acknowledged the presence and positive contribution of the Ghanaian community to the city’s multicultural landscape.

The High Commissioner also held a working session with Edmonton Global, the region’s economic development agency. Discussions reviewed Alberta’s economic strengths and innovation-driven sectors, and identified opportunities for enhanced trade and investment cooperation. Ghana’s stable political environment, strategic location, and role within the African Continental Free Trade Area were highlighted as key advantages for Canadian businesses seeking to expand into West Africa.

Sector-specific engagements included meetings with the Honourable RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture, and the Honourable Adriana LaGrange, Minister of Primary and Preventative Health. Exchanges covered agricultural development, agri-business, research collaboration, public health cooperation, preventative care, and opportunities for professional exchange. Alberta’s expertise in agricultural innovation and health systems strengthening was identified as particularly relevant to Ghana’s national development priorities.

Her Excellency also engaged academic and innovation institutions in Edmonton, including the University of Alberta and Alberta Innovates. Discussions focused on practical avenues for collaboration in research, innovation, agriculture, health, and skills development. Both institutions expressed interest in working with Ghana on joint initiatives, academic partnerships, and innovation-driven programmes with real-world impact.

On 9^th May, 2026, the High Commissioner and her team met with members of the Ghanaian community in Alberta, commending their contribution to the province and encouraging continued engagement in national development.

In attendance at the Ghanaian community engagement were Members of the Legislative Assembly of African descent, friends of Ghana, and participants from other sister African countries. Her Excellency Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh briefed the gathering on the policies of the Government of Ghana under the leadership of His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and addressed the concerns and challenges raised by the community. Members of the community treated the gathering to Ghanaian traditional music and dance, creating a warm and vibrant atmosphere throughout the event.

The High Commission is grateful to the Government of Alberta and the City of Edmonton, including the Alberta Protocol Office and the International Relations officials of the Province, for the courtesies and support extended during the visit. The High Commission also expresses its appreciation to the leadership of the Ghana Friendship Association of Edmonton and members of the Ghanaian community for their warm welcome and engagement.