Former President John Dramani Mahama has shared his vision for a flourishing Ghana to Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
During this historic visit to Calgary, Alberta, Mr Mahama not only emphasized Ghana’s immense potential but also eloquently conveyed his aspirations for cultivating inclusivity, fostering robust growth, ensuring economic stability, and promoting political unity.
A series of events were held to commemorate the visit of His Excellency. These included an international business forum, a town hall meeting, and a policy-oriented keynote address at the University of Calgary.
The University of Calgary’s Department of African Studies, under the esteemed leadership of Dr. Ceasar Apentiik, Professor of African Studies, the President and founder of the Canada-Ghana Chamber of Commerce (Calgary Chapter) David Kwame Appiah, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) Canada Chapter, led by Interim Chairman Richard Gameli Atakuma, and the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Calgary and their leader Dr. Charles Odame-Ankrah, played a pivotal role in organizing these remarkable events.
It is worth noting that the programme was supported by the unwavering dedication of various groups including the Women for Mahama-Canada, admirably led by Ruby Becky Abena Arkoh, the Coordinator.
The commendable efforts of Alex Sedgefia, the esteemed Director of International Relations Directorate of the NDC, and Dr. Ishmael Nii, a distinguished Diplomat and Africa Human Development Expert and Former Senior Policy and Programme Coordinator of the UN Sahel Region, facilitated the events.
The NDC’s Alberta branch, led by their acting chairman Gabriel Atsu Ghali hosted the former President.
International Business Forum
The International Business Forum, co-hosted by the Calgary Chapter of the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Dr. Darshan Ball of Paramount Agro Group Ltd., was attended by esteemed guests from the Alberta Government Cabinet. Notably, Honourable Rajan Sawhney, Minister of Advanced Education, and Mrs. Chelsae Petrovic, Member of Parliament for the Livingstone-Macleod area, were present at the event.
The forum highlighted former President Mahama’s dedication to enhancing Ghana’s reputation as a leading hub for tourism, business, and culture.
His engagements with the business community in Alberta, as well as the active Ghanaian and African communities in Western Canada, established a solid groundwork for productive collaborations and relationships that are crucial for national development.
Mr Mahama’s enthralling speech at the University of Calgary was engaging and impactful.
The address, enhanced by a vibrant showcase of rich Ghanaian culture presented by the Royal Cultural Dancers of Calgary, successfully captivated a diverse audience, including distinguished leaders, deans, professors, and students from a wide range of backgrounds at the University of Calgary.
He highlighted Ghana’s strong commitment to democracy and the rule of law, emphasizing the impressive progress made in critical sectors such as education, agriculture, and technology.
Former President Mahama extended an invitation to international investors to participate in the emerging industries, positioning Ghana as a hub for innovation, technology, and economic advancement.
His speech underscored the significance of promoting political well-being, fostering unity, and ensuring accountability, transcending political disparities in order to attain a cohesive Ghana.
Town Hall Meeting
The subsequent Town Hall Meeting, organized by the Ghanaian Canadian Association of Calgary in collaboration with the Canada Ghana Chamber of Commerce Calgary Chapter and the NDC Canada Chapter, provided attendees with the opportunity to engage directly with the 2024 NDC flagbearer.
In response to a multitude of questions, the former President placed a significant emphasis on the importance of completing halted projects and establishing a lasting legacy for the nation.
The dialogue was enriched by distinguished figures, namely Assin North Member of Parliament (MP) James Gyakye Quayson and former Finance Minister Seth Emmanuel Terkper, offering a discussion from a range of perspectives on the ongoing discourse surrounding the future of Ghana.
The event garnered overwhelming support from academic, business, and vibrant Ghanaian Canadian communities in Western Canada.
Their collective efforts fostered an atmosphere conducive to insightful discussions about Ghana’s future.
The success of the former president’s visit was greatly facilitated by the collaboration between multiple organizations and institutions, including the Ghanaian Ambassador to Canada, His Excellency Ransford Anselm Sowah, and Honorary Consul Margaret Adu.
Mr Mahama’s visit to Calgary served as a beacon of hope, inspiring attendees to actively contribute to the realization of a prosperous and inclusive Ghana.
His vision for a united nation, characterized by its openness to investment, tourism, and cultural exchange, has sparked renewed conversations regarding Ghana’s untapped potential.
The event served as a platform to celebrate Ghana’s potential and fostered a collective sense of unity and purpose among the participants.
It effectively reaffirmed Ghana’s position as a beacon of democracy and economic opportunity within the African continent.
Credit: Emmanuel Abu, NDC Alberta Branch Secretary