The first ever Ghana-Canada Trade and investment exhibition dubbed Ghana Expo Canada 2005 has opened in Toronto-The commercial city of Canada. The four day trade and cultural show, which started on Thursday November 17, 2005 at the Toronto Congress Center and will end on Sunday November 20.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the executive director of the African-Canadian Social development council, Mr. Raymond Micah applauded and congratulated Ghana Expo Canada for their foresight and courage to embark on this Ghana-Canada Trade fair. He said, "without question, it is noble that the Ghana Expo Canada Ltd should decide to take the risk of initiating such a venture, knowing the many and real challenges that the trailblazing enterprise holds." Mr. Micah expressed hope for the success of this noble cause to help market Ghana in Canada and conclude with the Chinese saying that "the journey of a thousand miles begins with a small step."

Inspector Robertson Rouse, the second in command of the York Regional Police Service who was at the opening ceremony used the occasion to praise the black stars and Ghana for qualifying for the world cup soccer tournament to be held in Germany in 2006.

A highly respected member of the provincial parliament of Ontario, Hon. Dr. Shafiq Qaadri took time of his busy schedule to bring his government greetings to the participants of the Expo.

Earlier in his welcome address, the CEO of Ghana Expo Canada 2005, Mr. Emmanuel Ayiku lamented the red-tapeism at the Canadian High Commission in Accra which denied most participants from Ghana from attending the Expo. However few participants who were granted visas are already in Toronto to participate.

Immediately after the opening, Kofi Adomako, Vice President of ALBAH and Christopher Locke and Daniel Kaminskies who are business buyers from Michigan-USA held a special seminar on Understanding current Canada-USA business culture for participants.

Unfortunately, no one from Ghana's mission in Canada was present. Pat Thomas, Gyedu Blay Ambolley, and Kwasi Selassie are among those who will entertain people at the Expo.