Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Christopher Thornley, joined Ashesi’s International Trade class to share his experiences with students as part of a visit to interact with Ashesi’s leadership and to discuss the High Commission’s development work in Ghana. 
Mr. Thornley spoke about the relationship between Canada and Ghana, and how the two countries were partnering for mutual growth and prosperity. With a background in International Trade, he also shared different experiences from his work across the world, the challenges and the opportunities for better global relations.
Speaking on the long-standing partnership between the two countries, Mr. Thornley explained that Ghana was one of the first countries outside Britain and the U.S that Canada engaged with after it introduced its first real foreign policy. Ghana was also the first country in which Canada established an active development programme.
“Here in Ghana, we are very privileged because people know about us and have been involved with Canada,” Mr. Thornley explained. “Many of Ghana’s current leaders have been educated in Canada, and that has provided a tremendous advantage for us because these people are our strongest ambassadors.”
The High Commissioner highlighted the importance of trade in diplomacy and international relations, explaining that it was “probably the most important building block in almost all bilateral and multilateral relationships.” He highlighted examples of Canada’s work in Cuba, and how discussions on trade had gone a long way in helping foster stronger ties between Canada and India. He also mentioned Canada’s intent to work closer with Ghana on economic partnerships.
“Canada has had a very strong development relationship with Ghana especially in the North, but in a very traditional way; looking at things like water, sanitation and food security,” he added. “Those are important and we won’t go away from those, but we need to look at ways in which we can partner with Ghana on its economy and make it a stronger investment destination for Canadians.”
Mr. Thornley also spoke to questions from students in the class, sharing responses on the importance of empowering local people in foreign investment agreements, building an enabling environment for business and the direct role that ethics and the rule of law played in international relations.
The High Commissioner was at Ashesi to also speak with the Canadian High Commission’s development programme team, which held its annual meeting on campus this year, and engage with Ashesi’s leadership on the factors that would help Ghana consolidate its economic growth.