The Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable James Gyakye Quayson (MP), has held bilateral talks with Canada’s Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Dr Harpreet S. Kochhar, with discussions centred on migration management and strengthened bilateral cooperation.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, 13 January 2026, focused on promoting Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration, against the backdrop of shared concerns about irregular migration and the need for structured, legal pathways for mobility.
Hon. Quayson praised the longstanding cordial relations between Ghana and Canada, describing them as a solid foundation for deeper collaboration. He stressed that expanding legal migration channels was critical to reducing the risks and human costs associated with irregular migration.
Highlighting the growing skills base of Ghana’s youthful population, the Deputy Minister proposed the exploration of a Memorandum of Understanding on Labour Mobility. Such an agreement, he said, could create mutually beneficial opportunities by matching Ghanaian skills with labour needs in Canada, while helping to curb irregular migration flows.
Hon. Quayson also assured Canada of Ghana’s readiness to work closely with Canadian authorities to ensure smooth and efficient immigration processes for Ghanaian nationals expected to travel to Canada for the FIFA World Cup 2026. He noted that effective coordination would be essential to safeguarding travellers and maintaining the integrity of immigration systems.
Dr Kochhar, in his remarks, outlined Canada’s concerns regarding irregular migration but reaffirmed his country’s commitment to addressing the issue through cooperation and dialogue rather than restrictive measures alone. He welcomed Ghana’s proposals and reiterated Canada’s dedication to ensuring a well-coordinated immigration process for the 2026 World Cup, in close collaboration with the Government of Ghana.
He further expressed Canada’s openness to deepening bilateral cooperation with Ghana across a range of sectors, including migration management, capacity building and broader development partnerships.
The meeting was attended by the Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Mr Samuel Basintale Amadu, underscoring the operational importance of the discussions.
Both sides agreed to sustain engagement on migration and mobility issues, with a shared commitment to advancing orderly migration frameworks that serve the interests of citizens of both countries.