The Ghana Climate Innovation Center (GCIC) had the privilege of hosting a group of Canadian MPs on October 6, 2023 at its offices in Accra. GCIC is a pioneering business incubator funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), and dedicated to nurturing sustainable enterprises and climate-responsive Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana.
The distinguished guests included: Richard Cannings – Federal MP, NDP, British Columbia, Hon. Randy Weekes – Provincial MP, Saskatchewan, Jeremy LeBlanc – Federal MP, Hon. Derek Bennett – Newfoundland/Labrador (Formerly the Provincial Minister for Environment, Climate Change, and Municipalities in August 2020).
The Canadian MPs were in Accra, Ghana, as part of the 66th Commonwealth Parliamentary Conference (CPC), held from September 30 to October 6, 2023 under the theme ‘Values and Principles for Parliaments to Uphold,’ which coincided with the 10th anniversary of the Commonwealth Charter.
The purpose of their visit to GCIC was to engage the team and a handful of entrepreneurs directly, to learn more about our efforts to develop profitable, locally appropriate solutions in support of climate change mitigation and adaptation in the focus areas of climate-smart agriculture, domestic waste management, and renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The Centre was honored to have representatives from Global Affairs Canada present, including Shauna Flanagan, Sarah Kalisa, as well as Kathleen Flynn-Dapaah, Chargé of High Commission of Canada, who joined the discussions and shared valuable insights.
The meeting was enriched by the presence of some of the inspiring green entrepreneurs from GCIC, who are driving positive change in Ghana’s climate and sustainability landscape. These entrepreneurs included Shaq Express, Aydens, Fibre Wealth, and Kawa Moka.
It is key to note that across its climate finance commitment, Canada will ensure that 80% of projects integrate gender equality considerations, in line with its Feminist International Assistance Policy and that the GCIC project aligns with Canada’s $5.3 billion international climate finance commitment.
