Otumfuo Pushes for Technical Education Collaboration with Canada
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene, has called for renewed bilateral cooperation between Ghana and Canada, urging Ottawa to deepen its investment in Ghana’s technical education sector to bridge the skills gap for the country’s industrialisation drive.
Speaking during a courtesy call by Canada’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Arun Thangaraj, at his Accra residence on Wednesday, November 11, 2026, the Asantehene emphasised that training middle-level technical manpower is critical for Ghana’s economic transformation.
He noted that while many young Ghanaians hold bachelor’s degrees in arts and sciences, a significant number struggle to find roles in the job market due to a shortage of practical, industry-ready skills.
“We have so many students—people who finished school, gotten their qualifications and BA, BSc, and everything—and don’t fit anywhere,” Otumfuo Osei Tutu II stated.
“If we look at the middle level where we have the technical side of it, we’ve now converted most of our technical schools and polytechnics into technical universities. Those are areas that we think we can collaborate in terms of supporting everything to train the middle-level people to take over in industry.”
Highlighting Canada’s historical contributions to technical training in Kumasi, the Asantehene noted that revitalising such partnerships would directly support Ghana’s transition from an agriculture-based economy to an industrialised one.
He assured the visiting delegation that Ghana remains politically stable with a favourable economic climate for foreign partnerships.
Otumfuo Osei Tutu II also addressed perceptions surrounding Ghana’s mining sector, clarifying that recent policy adjustments should not be misconstrued as anti-investment.
Instead, he explained, the government was seeking frameworks that ensure mutual benefit for both the state and foreign investors.
Reflecting on the broader diplomatic relationship, the Asantehene observed that Canadian development engagement—previously driven by agencies like the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA)—had quieted in recent years, though momentum is now returning.
Pointing to shifting global trade dynamics and friction between Canada and the United States, he encouraged Ottawa to redirect its strategic focus and resources toward Ghana, bolstered by the growing Ghanaian diaspora living in Canada.
The Asantehene commended the persistent diplomatic efforts that facilitated his recent visit to Canada, describing it as a strong foundation for future bilateral growth. “I believe strongly that that’s a good start for us,” he said, reiterating his call for Canada to look closely at opportunities in Ghanaian agriculture, education, and industrial development.
Mr Thangaraj was accompanied by High Commissioner Myriam Montrat, Defence Advisor Lieutenant-Colonel Derek Mattinen, Senior Trade Commissioner Waqas Yousafzai, Political Officer Bertha Desmenu, Advisor Robert Listone and Deputy Director Barnabe Ndarishikanye.
Story by Hajara Fuseini
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