Canada commits $17.5 million to green entrepreneurship

The Canadian Government has announced funding support of 17.5 million Canadian dollars to Ghana’s green economy and green entrepreneurship.

Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, Harjit Sajjan announced this at a reception held for him at Ashesi University’s Ghana Climate Innovation Centre (GCIC) in Accra.

He explained that the decision to fund is “because the climate change crisis is another pandemic that we all must deal with”.

Hon. Harjit Sajjan added that “no country in the world, not even Canada or the United States of America (USA) can fight this global crisis alone”.

According to him, the fight against climate change is a collective responsibility hence the need for all hands to be on deck.

“If we deal with climate change; we will reduce conflict and security, so we need to think innovatively” the Canadian Minister of International Development stated.

Founder and President of Ashesi University, Patrick Awuah, underscored the need for action against climate change on the African continent. He expressed gratitude to the government of Canada for their dedication to the fight against climate change and stated that Ashesi University, through the Ghana Climate Innovation Centre, will continue to explore and develop local innovations that aid in the fight against climate change.

On her part, Executive Director of GCIC, Rukayatu Sanusi, noted that in addition to supporting enterprises with business incubation services, GCIC’s work also focuses on influencing the Government’s fiscal policy to ensure that an enabling environment is built in Ghana for green businesses to thrive.  She added that the Centre is strengthened by the support and generosity of donors who believe in GCIC’s mission and work and by the pioneering spirit, commitment, and hard work of the Centre’s green entrepreneurs.

“The eyes of the future are looking back at us, and they are praying for us to see beyond our time” this quote Rukayatu Sanusi added, serves as a daily inspiration at GCIC.

Meanwhile, some green entrepreneurs including Hendy Farms, Nasam Brand, Kaeme, Kawa Moka, Christie Brown and Malindis shared the impact the GCIC incubator programme has had on their businesses and had the opportunity to interact and introduce their products to Hon. Harjit Sajjan and his delegation.