Martine Moreau, Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana
On October 24, 2022, Global Affairs Canada announced Martine Moreau as the High Commissioner in the Republic of Ghana. Ms. Moreau replaced Kathleen Csaba. On Monday, February 27, 2023, she presented her letter of credence to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House, alongside other new envoys.
Since then, her endearing role of Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana has been tremendous and praiseworthy. When it comes to diplomatic service, there are individuals whose dedication, charisma and unwavering commitment transcend borders, fostering strong bilateral relations and promoting mutual understanding between nations.
The esteemed High Commissioner of Canada to Ghana epitomizes this calibre of diplomatic excellence. Everything shows that H.E. Martine Moreau has brought her repertoire of experience and wisdom to the Ghanaian soil. She assumed her role as Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana with a wealth of experience and a deep-rooted passion for international relations.
Her distinguished career in diplomacy has been characterized by steadfast dedication to fostering collaboration and meaningful engagement on a global scale. And it is even not surprising because she had worked for 12 years as an auditor and as manager of corporate financial consulting at Ernst & Young in Montréal before joining the Department of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Development in 1998.
Ms. Moreau has progressively held more senior assignments at headquarters, including as Trade Commissioner in the Intellectual Property, Information and Technology Trade Policy Division, the U.S. Business Development Division, and the International Financing Division; as deputy director of the Strategic Initiatives Division and the European Union, Western, and Central Europe Division; and as director of the Europe and Eurasia Commercial Relations Division. There’s more to that!
I believe that this and many more have enriched her remarkable leadership, diplomatic acumen and tireless efforts to be felt in Ghana. Moreau has left an indelible mark on the relationship between Canada and Ghana, enriching cooperation, cultural exchange, and economic ties between the two nations.
From the get-go, Ms Moreau embraced her mission with zeal, recognizing the immense potential for collaboration between Canada and Ghana across various spheres.
Good works
I will be doing myself a disservice if I am unable to touch on some of her good works. One of Ms. Moreau’s notable achievements as High Commissioner has been her unwavering commitment to strengthening economic ties between Canada and Ghana. Recognizing Ghana’s burgeoning economy and its potential as a strategic partner for Canada, she has spearheaded initiatives aimed at facilitating trade, investment, and economic cooperation between the two nations.
For instance, recently in March this year, Ms. Moreau visited the Tamale sub-office of the International Potato Centre (CIP) and CARE Ghana as part of efforts to boost the innovative Generating Revenues and Opportunities for Women to Improve Nutrition in Ghana (GROWING) project. The visit amplified Canada’s support for the project, which has made considerable strides in enhancing nutrition and economic empowerment, especially among women and children in Ghana’s northern regions.
Funded by Global Affairs Canada, the GROWING project, led by the International Potato Centre (CIP), targets communities in six districts heavily affected by poverty, malnutrition, and alarming rates of stunting and vitamin A deficiency among children under five. One of the critical components of this project involves Agro-processing, Marketing, and Business Skills, aiming to transform small and medium enterprises (SMEs) into self-sustaining entities that contribute significantly to the local economy and nutrition.
It may interest you to know that one significant highlight of Ms. Moreau’s visit was the spotlight on two local enterprises, Shekinah Glory Bakery and Drinks and B-Diet Natural Food enterprise, both recruited by the GROWING project for their potential to effect change. All these enterprises have embraced the cultivation and use of Orange Fleshed Sweet Potato (OFSP), a nutrient-packed crop, innovatively incorporating it into their product lines to combat vitamin A deficiency and malnutrition in the region.
Again, I was impressed when in July last year at the celebration of the 156th Canada Day 2023 and the 66th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ghana and Canada in Accra, she considered Ghana as the fourth-largest trading partner of Canada in sub-Saharan Africa, even though there remains tremendous capacity for substantial growth in trade and investment. Promising sectors for expansion, that came to her mind, included clean technologies, energy, mining, education, and professional services.
Indeed, Ghana and Canada share a common vision for economic development, and the High Commissioner is well positioned to strengthen the economic ties of the two countries. Canada and Ghana are committed to gender equality, women’s economic empowerment, and the meaningful participation of women and girls in all facets of society.
Diplomatic finesse
Moreover, Ms Moreau’s diplomatic finesse has played a pivotal role in advancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including education, healthcare, and environmental sustainability. Under her leadership, bilateral agreements and partnerships have flourished, paving the way for knowledge exchange programmes, capacity-building initiatives, and collaborative research projects that benefit both countries.
By promoting people-to-people ties and cultural exchange programmes, Ms. Moreau has fostered a deeper understanding and appreciation of Canada’s rich diversity and Ghana’s vibrant culture, further strengthening the bond between the two nations. Beyond her diplomatic duties, she has endeared herself to the people of Ghana through her genuine warmth, empathy, and genuine interest in the well-being of the Ghanaian people.
This was witnessed during the recent Awards Ceremony and Mentorship Learning and Sharing Workshop of the 2024 winners for the ‘Ambassador for a Day’ (AFD) competition at the Residence of the British High Commission. Her active engagement with local communities, civil society organizations, and youth groups was endearing.
To me, she has earned her respect and admiration across the country. Whether participating in community development projects, supporting initiatives for women’s empowerment, or championing environmental conservation efforts, Ms. Moreau has demonstrated a deep-seated commitment to making a positive impact.
A compelling proof of my submission is on March 8, 2023, the Canadian High Commissioner was speaking at the Ghana Armed Forces commemoration of the International Women’s Day on the theme: “Enhancing GAF’s innovative gender equity strides for an inclusive force”. Ms. Moreau expressed her government’s commitment to support the GAF in its gender mainstreaming efforts and peacekeeping goals.
Deepened ties
To cut a long story short, her leadership has not only elevated Canada’s standing in Ghana but has also deepened the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration and mutual prosperity. Her legacy of diplomatic excellence, integrity, and goodwill will endure as a testament to the enduring strength of Canada-Ghana relations.
Her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to advancing shared values and interests have left an indelible mark on the diplomatic landscape, inspiring future generations of diplomats and fostering enduring friendships between Canada and Ghana. Let us continue to celebrate the enduring friendship and partnership between both countries bound by a common desire for peace, prosperity, and progress.
From Accra to Kumasi, the Canadian High Commissioner engages with Ghanaian leaders, community members, and stakeholders to foster understanding and forge meaningful connections. May her endeavours be guided by wisdom, compassion, and a commitment to building a brighter Ghana and Canada.
Writer’s email: bpdonkor@gmail.com
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