Our Relationship With Otumfuo Is One of Our Most Important Globally – Canada’s Deputy Foreign Minister

Canada’s Deputy Foreign Minister, Arun Thangaraj, has described Canada’s relationship with Manhyia as one of Canada’s most important ties globally.

He said the relationship was born out of years of support and protection offered by the Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, to Canada’s dealings in Ghana.

“For the many years of support to Canada and the strong partnership and friendship that you’ve had with us and our ambassador and our team. Canada views this relationship as one of its most important globally, and we very much appreciate your work in helping strengthen that relationship,” he said.

He also thanked Otumfuo for his advocacy on behalf of Canadian companies and Canadian people, as both countries are working to build economic resilience.

“Your presence here and your interventions and your advocacy on our behalf, on behalf of Canadian companies and Canadian people, is very much appreciated, especially at this moment where we are working together to build our own economic resilience with yours.”

Mr Thangaraj further acknowledged Otumfuo’s contribution to national cohesion and stability and committed to a partnership to advance it.

“We are trying to work with you to build peace and stability in this region, and we recognise your work in doing that. And so we hope to use the upcoming anniversary of both your independence and our diplomatic presence here, both at 70 years, to use that as an opportunity to make our relationship stronger and grow it and be more ambitious in the things that we can do,” he said during a courtesy visit on the Asantehene at his private residence in Accra on November 11, 2026.

He was accompanied by Canadian 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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