The Governor General of Canada, Madam Michaelle Jean, is in Ghana on a state visit which will end on Friday December 1. Canada has been providing development assistance to Ghana since 1957, making it the Canadian International Development Agency's (CIDA) longest running country programme.

Between 2000 and 2005, Canada contributed over C$195million (1,572 billion cedis) in official development assistance, which has increased by over 400% during the last four years. Canada's assistance to Ghana is to increasingly focus on promoting national self-reliance and reflecting Ghanaian priorities.

Governance and basic human needs (with a focus on food and water security) are the key priorities for Canadian assistance. Canada's development assistance to Ghana includes direct government-to-government assistance, as well as support through Canadian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and international organizations such as the UN, World Back and African Development Bank.

CIDA's governance programming is intended to strengthen the policy and operational capacity of national institution; it also aims to help local governments improve services delivery and be more accountable. Canada is also helping civil society organizations to develop their ability to interact with government. To improve food security of Ghanaians, Canada is providing assistance through agriculture projects, humanitarian relief, and direct budgetary support at the central, sectoral and district levels, with a particular focus on northern Ghana.

Since 1973, CIDA's bilateral programme has invested C$155million (1,250 billion cedis) in some 17 water sector projects. These projects have mainly sought to improve the health and productivity of the population of northern Ghana through the provision of improved potable water system; they have been instrumental in the virtual eradication of guinea worm, and in raising awareness of water-related health issues.

Canada is also contributing to peace and security in Ghana and the region through assistance to the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC), via Canada's Pearson Peacekeeping Centre, to develop courses and train West African peacekeeping trainers.

On HIV/AIDS, CIDA funds a programme aimed at building the institutional capacity of three Ghanaian universities to design, develop, and deliver quality HIV/AIDS education programmes for teachers and community workers.

Dozens of Canadian non-governmental organization (NGOs) and service organizations are active in Ghana and have been instrumental in promoting people-to-people contacts. In one breath we say Ayeekoo and nante yie to our most august visitor, the Madam Michaelle Jean. Thank you Canada.