Ghana and Canada are exploring the possibility of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on labour mobility as part of efforts to curb illegal immigration and promote safe, orderly and regular migration.

This was discussed during a meeting between the Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs, James Gyakye Quayson, and Canada’s Deputy Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Dr. Harpreet S. Kochhar, on Tuesday, January 13, 2026.

The bilateral talks focused on immigration, migration management and broader cooperation between the two countries, with particular emphasis on addressing the risks associated with irregular migration.

Mr Quayson praised the long-standing cordial relations between Ghana and Canada and called for deeper cooperation to ensure mutual benefits. He stressed that the provision of legal migration pathways is critical to reducing the dangers linked to illegal migration.

He noted that Ghana’s youthful population possesses valuable skills that could be harnessed through structured labour mobility arrangements, adding that an MoU between the two countries could help address irregular migration while meeting labour needs.

The Deputy Minister also assured Canada of Ghana’s readiness to work closely with its authorities to ensure smooth immigration processes for Ghanaian nationals travelling to Canada for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

On his part, Dr. Kochhar acknowledged Canada’s concerns about irregular migration but reaffirmed his country’s commitment to a well-coordinated and smooth immigration process for the 2026 World Cup in collaboration with the Government of Ghana.

He further expressed Canada’s openness to deepening bilateral cooperation with Ghana across various sectors.

The Comptroller-General of the Ghana Immigration Service, Samuel Basintale Amadu, was present at the meeting.