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“We are not asking for restriction; we are asking for total ban of rubber export”, Traditional leaders to the government

The Western Regional House of Chiefs (WRHC) has called on government to impose a total ban on the export of raw rubber.

The house warned that proposals to merely restrict exports will continue to undermine domestic processing and derail Ghana’s industrialisation drive.

Nana Kobina Nketsia V, the President of the WRHC, pointed out that the continued export of raw rubber, particularly from the Western Region which is Ghana’s leading rubber-producing enclave, runs counter to government’s own policy direction on value addition, job creation and local content development.

At a general meeting of the house at Sekondi, Nana Kobina Nketsia said chiefs in the region were unanimous in their demand for a complete prohibition, not a partial limitation, on the export of natural rubber in its raw form.

“It was clearly stated in the 2026 Budget that the discussion was about natural rubber. However, the way the minister framed it suggested a restriction on the export of raw rubber. We are not asking for a restriction; we are asking for a total ban,” he stated.

According to him, a full ban would guarantee steady supply of raw materials for local processors, revive struggling rubber-based industries and align fully with flagship government initiatives such the 24-hour economy policy.

Nana Nketsia, who is also the Paramount Chief of the Essikado Traditional Area, noted that local processors, including Ghana Rubber Estates Limited (GREL) in the Western Region, have been starved of raw materials due to excessive exportation, forcing the company to cut its workforce by half and reduce operations from three shifts to one.

Similarly, a rubber-processing company in the Central Region has shut down entirely due to lack of raw material, according to the Association of Natural Rubber Actors of Ghana (ANRAG).

Although he said Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade and Industry recently expressed support for government’s decision to restrict raw rubber exports beginning in 2026 and pledged to assist in drafting the necessary Legislative Instrument (LI), the traditional ruler insisted that restriction alone will not address the fundamental problem.

“Exporting raw rubber directly contradicts the government’s stated policy direction and undermines the domestic industry. If we are serious about industrialisation, then we must process our rubber here instead of exporting it in its raw state.”

He further called for stricter enforcement of existing laws governing raw material exports, arguing that Ghana’s challenge lies more in weak implementation than lack of policy.

“There are laws against exporting materials in their raw form. We must support government and work with them to ensure the regulatory framework functions effectively. This is not just for producing areas, but for the benefit of the entire country,” he added.

Drawing parallels with the mining sector, Nana Kobina Nketsia lamented on a long-standing pattern of extracting resources from host regions without corresponding local processing or industrial development.

He cited public concerns over plans to site a national gold refinery in Accra instead of mining regions in the Western Region, saying such decisions are economically and socially unjustifiable.

“If the gold is mined here, why should the refinery be in Accra? If the aim is to create jobs and curb illegal mining, then these facilities must be located in the producing regions,” he said.

The Paramount Chief of the Gwira Traditional Area, Awulae Angamatuo Gyan, supported the call, revealing that traditional authorities in the region have engaged the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the 24-Hour Economy Secretariat on the issue.

“We have raised concerns about raw rubber exports for many years through engagements with relevant institutions. Although the results have been slow, we are hopeful that government’s current position on restriction will be a stepping stone toward a full ban,” he noted.

Also contributing, Awulae Attibrukusu, Paramount Chief of Axim Traditional Area, welcomed government’s intention to restrict exports but stressed the need for a united regional stance to push for a complete ban.

“As a region, we must come together and meet the relevant authorities to clearly state our resolve to have a total ban on raw rubber exports,” he said.

He proposed a joint petition by traditional leaders, opinion leaders and other stakeholders in the Western Region to formally communicate their position to government and Parliament.

The Western Region remains Ghana’s largest producer of natural rubber, with thousands of smallholder farmers and several large plantations depending on the sector for their livelihoods. Chiefs argue that banning raw rubber exports will stimulate local processing, create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, boost government revenue and promote sustainable industrial growth.

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Poultry farmers and MGL roll out X’mas Egg Market to tackle egg glut

The Multimedia Group Limited, in partnership with the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association, has rolled out a festive-season initiative dubbed the X’mas Egg Market, aimed at supplying eggs and poultry to consumers at reduced prices while helping to address the persistent egg glut confronting local poultry farmers.

The initiative forms part of efforts to support domestic poultry producers who have been affected by excess egg supply, falling prices, and rising production costs.

By creating a direct market link between farmers and consumers, the X’mas Egg Market is expected to boost sales for poultry farmers while ensuring households have access to affordable, high-quality protein during the Christmas season.

Ahead of the sales, Chief Executive of the Greater Accra Poultry Farmers Association, Muhammed Ali, urged the public to take advantage of the initiative to purchase locally produced eggs and poultry at competitive prices, noting that increased patronage will go a long way in sustaining the local poultry industry.

“Prices of these eggs by our members have been reduced. Some few weeks ago, there was a cry by poultry farmers about egg glut, now farmers have reduced their prices but the public are not enjoying the reduction so we are giving the opportunity to everyone to come to Joy FM premises from the 19th to 20th December to enjoy these farmgate prices”, he said.

On his part, Head of Marketing and Sales at The Multimedia Group Limited, David Max-Fugar, said the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to improving food accessibility for Ghanaians, particularly during the festive period.

He explained that the partnership aligns with Multimedia’s broader corporate responsibility agenda of supporting local industries while promoting healthy nutrition.

The X’mas Egg Market is scheduled to take place from Friday, 19th to Saturday, 20th December, at the Joy FM Car Park, and is open to the general public.

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Carrefour Group, the leading food retailer taking over Shoprite franchise in Ghana

The Carrefour Group, a leading French food retailer, is taking over Shoprite’s franchise in Ghana through a new partnership with the distributor, Brands For All, which acquired the seven Shoprite hypermarkets in November 2025.

These stores will be rebranded to Carrefour, with the first openings expected by April 2026, as part of Carrefour’s African expansion strategy, according to a press release issued on Monday, December 15, 2025.

This follows Shoprite’s plan to exit Ghana to focus on its home market in South Africa, according to a Reuters report.

Brands for All is a distributor that is already a franchise partner for retail chains such as Decathlon and Yves Rocher in Sub-Saharan Africa and the Middle East. In November 2025, the company took over seven Shoprite hypermarkets.

The press release announcing the takeover explained that they are rolling out Carrefour banners, expertise, and products in Ghana under an agreement, which will see Carrefour International supporting Brands For All teams in the takeover and transformation of the entire Shoprite Ghana network under Carrefour banners, and the implementation of an ambitious expansion plan.

The first stores will be rebranded by April 2026.

By 2028, the retailer also expects to open five new outlets, said Patrick Lasfargues, executive director of Carrefour International, in a press release.

The release stated that the new agreement illustrates the strength and dynamism of the franchise model championed by the Carrefour Group, and marks the achievement of an objective to expand in 10 new countries under franchise as part of its 2026 strategic plan.

“We are delighted to initiate this collaboration with a leading retail player in Ghana. Beyond the rapid transformation of the 7 Shoprite Ghana hypermarkets, the Brands For All and Carrefour International Partnership teams are already working hand-in-hand on the future growth of our activities in the country: by 2028, we project the opening of 5 additional stores.

“This launch in Ghana is another milestone in the execution of our international franchise expansion strategy, which already saw us pass the 3,000 franchised store mark in October 2025.”, the CEO of Carrefour International Partnership, Patrick Lasfargues stated.

On his part, the CEO of Brands For All, Geoffrey Fadoul stated: “I am very proud to announce, along with the entire Brands For All team, our integration into Carrefour’s international franchise network. By leveraging our deep knowledge of the local market, the dedication of the Shoprite Ghana teams, and Carrefour’s excellence, we will be able to offer Ghanaian consumers high-quality, affordable products and an experience that perfectly meets their expectations.”

About Carrefour Group

With a multi-format network of over 15,000 stores in more than 40 countries, the Carrefour Group is one of the world’s leading food retailers. Carrefour International Partnership manages all the Carrefour Group’s franchised Partners worldwide, operating in more than 30 countries with over 3,000 stores.

Carrefour posted sales of €94.6 billion in 2024. Its integrated store network employs more than 300,000 people who help to make Carrefour the world leader in the food transition for all, by offering quality food every day, accessible everywhere and at a reasonable price. In total, more than 500,000 people work under the Carrefour banner worldwide.

About Brands For All

As a modern and dynamic player in the distribution sector, Brands For All is dedicated to establishing and amplifying the presence of the world’s leading international brands across Africa, the Middle East, and beyond. The group develops iconic names such as Decathlon, Optimum Nutrition, Yves Rocher, Adidas, Babolat, Adopt, and soon Swarovski.

Brands For All operates under a clear mission: to make great brands accessible to everyone. By combining field expertise and operational excellence, Brands For All serves as the agile and committed partner international brands choose to maximise their growth and unleash their full potential in new territories.

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20% excise duty threatens agro-industrialisation – Agribusiness Chamber

The Chamber of Agribusiness Ghana (CAG) has warned that the 20% excise duty on natural fruit juices poses a serious threat to Ghana’s agro-industrialisation agenda and could undermine the government’s flagship 24-Hour Economy policy.

In a statement released on December 15, 2025, the Chamber said the tax is discouraging local processing, weakening value addition, and forcing agro-processing factories to operate below capacity, contrary to national efforts to boost industrial output, job creation, and export competitiveness.

According to CAG, the excise duty, which applies to locally processed natural fruit juices, has increased production costs for manufacturers and reduced their ability to compete with imported beverage concentrates and finished products.

The Chamber argued that instead of incentivising domestic agro-processing, the policy is penalising local value addition and sending the wrong signals to investors in the agricultural value chain.

“This tax contradicts Ghana’s agro-industrialisation goals and directly undermines the 24-Hour Economy by making continuous production unviable for local processors,” the statement said.

CAG noted that agro-processing is one of the most labour-intensive sectors of the economy and a critical driver of rural employment, especially for youth and women. The Chamber warned that sustained pressure on juice manufacturers could lead to factory closures, reduced demand for raw agricultural produce, and job losses across the value chain.

The Chamber further cautioned that the excise duty weakens Ghana’s import-substitution efforts by making locally produced juices more expensive than imported alternatives, thereby increasing foreign exchange pressure and exposing the Cedi to further depreciation.

CAG said Ghana has significant potential to become a regional hub for fruit processing, given its strong production of pineapple, mango, citrus, and other tropical fruits. However, that potential, it stressed, cannot be realised under a tax regime that discourages investment in local processing.

The Chamber is therefore calling on the government to review and repeal the 20% excise duty, urging policymakers to align tax measures with national development priorities, including industrial growth, job creation, and economic resilience.

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How to Grow Coconuts from Coconut Fruit – A Complete Beginner-to-Expert Guide

Growing a coconut tree from a coconut fruit is a slow but rewarding process. Coconut palms are long-living trees that provide food, oil, fiber, and shade for decades.

This article explains how to grow coconuts from fresh coconut fruit, covering selection, planting, care, and long-term management.

Understanding Coconut Palm Growth: Coconut trees are tropical palms that grow slowly in the early years but become strong and resilient once established.

Selecting the Right Coconut Fruit: Choose a fully mature coconut with plenty of water inside. Fresh coconuts have higher germination success.

Preparing the Coconut for Planting: Soaking the coconut in water for several days helps activate germination and speeds up sprouting.

Best Soil for Coconut Germination: Loose, sandy soil with good drainage prevents rotting and supports early root development.

Planting the Coconut Correctly: Plant the coconut horizontally or slightly tilted, leaving one-third of the fruit above the soil surface.

Watering and Moisture Requirements: Keep the soil consistently moist but never waterlogged. Excess water can cause fungal problems.

Sunlight and Temperature Needs: Coconut palms require full sun and warm temperatures year-round to grow properly.

Early Seedling Care: Protect young seedlings from strong winds and extreme weather during the early growth stage.

Transplanting Coconut Seedlings: Once the seedling develops strong roots, it can be transplanted carefully to its permanent location.

Fertilization for Healthy Growth: Organic manure and balanced fertilizers support steady growth during the first few years.

Common Problems in Coconut Growing: Poor drainage, cold temperatures, and low sunlight slow growth significantly.

Time Required for Fruiting: Coconut trees grown from seed usually take six to ten years to start producing fruit.

Long-Term Care of Coconut Palms: Proper spacing, regular feeding, and minimal pruning ensure healthy palms for decades.

Quick Reference Table Requirement Recommendation Coconut Type Fully matureSoil Sandy and well-drainingSunlight Full sunWatering ModerateFruiting Time 6–10 years

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President Mahama outlines key pillars to transform the agriculture sector.

The President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E John Dramani Mahama has outlined the three (3) key pillars as a commitment to strengthening Ghana’s agriculture, improving rural livelihoods, and ensuring national food security.

President Mahama affirmed his government’s dedication to transforming Ghana’s agricultural sector, emphasizing Irrigation, Affordable Financing, and Infrastructure as the 3 major key pillars.

He reveled this during the 41st Farmers’ Day Celebration at Ho

For irrigation, he announced plans to drill boreholes and install solar-powered pumps for farming communities to support year-round agriculture.

With reliable water, he said, farmers can triple their harvests and achieve higher yields on smaller lands.

Affordable Financing: Mr. President stressed the need for single-digit agricultural loan rates, arguing that current high interest rates trap farmers in debt.

“It is unacceptable that farmers work for the banks instead of themselves,” he said, pledging to push loan rates below 10 percent.

He commended members of the Ghana National Association of Farmers and Fishermen for advocating reduced credit rates, emphasizing that cheaper financing is essential for national food security

He condemned the purchase of imported rice for the School Feeding Programme when local farmers have unsold rice, insisting that rice, maize, and poultry must henceforth be sourced locally.

The President praised scientific breakthroughs such as the new weevil-resistant cowpea variety and announced a soon-to-be-launched School Agriculture Programme requiring schools to operate farms.

Infrastructure: Turning to development in the Volta Region which he affectionately called the “Oxygen City”, Mr. President indicated that several key road projects under the government’s Big Push Agenda are advancing steadily, with contractors already on site.

He expressed confidence that most of the roads would be near completion within 18 months.

He stated that work has finally begun on the long-delayed Denu-Aflao road, a project that will boost trade and improve transportation in the region.

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Resetting Ghana’s Agriculture: Agric Minister launched $147.3 million PROSPER PROJECT in Damongo.

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Hon. Eric Opoku has launched $147.3 million PROSPER PROJECT in Damongo as part of Government’s efforts to actualize the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda ( AETA).

The significant of the project is to boon Ghana’s rural agriculture sector aiming at boosting climate resilience, rural incomes, and modernizing value chains across nine regions.

The initiative is a strategic and transformative step for national agricultural development.

The project will improve the livelihoods of about 100,000 rural households directly and 320,000 indirectly, focusing on infrastructure, economic opportunities, and efficient resource management.

Key components include strengthening rural institutions, enhancing market access, and promoting nutrition-sensitive practices aligned with Ghana’s Feed Ghana programme.

The PROSPER PROJECT will also improve environmental resilience through watershed restoration, tree planting, and climate-smart infrastructure.

The project’s collaborative effort with development partners marks a promising boon for rural communities, fostering inclusive growth and sustainable agricultural progress.

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82 year old Opanin Abraham Wins Overall National Best Farmer for 2025

The General Superintendent of the Saviour Church of Ghana, Opanin Abraham Kwaku Adusei, has been crowned the Overall National Best Farmer for 2025 at the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration held on Friday, December 5, 2025, in Ho.

The 82-year-old farmer has spent over 55 years in the farming industry, earning numerous recognitions from the district, regional, national, and international levels. His decades of dedication have cemented his reputation as one of Ghana’s most accomplished farmers.

In his acceptance speech, Opanin Abraham expressed deep gratitude to God and to all who have supported the agricultural sector.

He stated, “On this momentous occasion marking the 41st National Farmers’ Day celebration, I rise with profound humility and gratitude to extend, on behalf of all farmers of our beloved nation, our sincerest appreciation to everyone who has made this day possible.”

He further acknowledged divine protection, saying he “expressed profound gratitude to Almighty God for His gracious favour, divine protection, and enduring presence that has enabled them to gather to commemorate yet another National Farmers’ Day celebration.”

Opanin Abraham also praised the government for maintaining the tradition of honouring farmers. He said the “Government of the Republic of Ghana for sustaining this noble tradition of celebrating and rewarding the tireless efforts of our nation’s farmers and fishers. Your continued commitment to the advancement of agriculture remains a beacon of hope for us all.”

Reflecting on his long journey in agriculture, he highlighted his achievements, “I entered the agricultural industry almost 55 years ago, immediately after leaving the university campus in 1968. During the early years of my journey in this industry, I won many district awards.

In 2009, I was honoured with the Eastern Regional Best Farmer Award. Four years later, in 2013, the state conferred on me the National Best Cocoa Farmer Award.

In 2014, I had the honour of being named the World’s Best Cocoa Farmer at a ceremony held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, during the ICCO Second Annual Conference.”

He added that “Not too long ago, in 2022, the state again conferred on me the National Best Crop Farmer Award. Today, I am profoundly honoured to have been adjudged the National Best Farmer for the year 2025.”

Sharing the honour with the wider farming community, he remarked, “This distinguished recognition is not mine alone. It belongs equally to the thousands of hardworking Ghanaian farmers, men and women whose dedication and sacrifices feed our nation, sustain our industries, and strengthen our economy. To all of them, I say ‘Ayekoo’.”

He extended appreciation to key institutions that contributed to the event’s success, including the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development, the National Farmers’ Day Planning Committee, and major sponsors.

Addressing national agricultural challenges, Opanin Abraham appealed for improved irrigation infrastructure. He noted that the Afram Plains, with their vast fertile lands, could become Ghana’s food basket if irrigation access is prioritized.

He welcomed the government’s intention to include such development in the Feed Ghana programme, describing it as “a step in the right direction toward achieving the goals of the ‘Feed Ghana, Eat Ghana, and Secure the Future’ agenda.

”He also urged the government to construct a bridge over the Afram River and rehabilitate roads in the Afram Plains, saying these interventions “will not only enhance agricultural productivity but also open up rural economies, create jobs, and transform our nation.”In total, 31 individuals were honoured with various awards across different agricultural portfolios.

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Food and Agriculture Minister Eric Opoku Calls for Farmer-Led Transformation at 41st National Farmers Day

The Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, has emphasized that Ghana’s agricultural future hinges on empowering farmers to take leadership roles across the entire agricultural value chain.

Speaking at the 41st National Farmers Day celebration in Ho on Friday, December 5, the Minister said farmers must not remain passive contributors but should be positioned at the forefront of innovation, value-chain expansion and national food security strategies.

Hon. Eric Opoku praised the resilience, creativity and hard work of farmers and fishers, describing their contributions as central to Ghana’s economic transformation.

He highlighted the strides made under the Feed Ghana programme—including expanded irrigation, mechanisation support, reforms in seed and fertilizer distribution, livestock improvement, and strengthened value-chain development.

He credited the Ministry’s collaboration with research institutions for ensuring that agricultural policies remain science-driven and impactful.

The Minister also thanked key private-sector partners such as ADB, Glico, Stanbic Bank and Sino Machinery, as well as AgriHouse Foundation for organising the National Agricultural Fair at no cost to the state.

According to him, the introduction of the Innovation, Research and Development Session at the fair showcased the scientific capabilities of Ghana’s universities and research bodies.

Mr. Opoku noted that within 11 months, the Ministry has built a strong foundation for agricultural transformation, ensuring that interventions translate into real improvements in rural livelihoods, productivity and opportunities—especially for women and youth in agriculture.

He expressed optimism that with sustained investment and the establishment of the government’s research fund, innovations would move from laboratory testing to practical field application, accelerating Ghana’s agricultural transformation and positioning the country as the “food nation of Africa.

”The Minister encourage1d Corporate Ghana to deepen collaboration with the Ministry to1 scale innovations, strengthen v⅕alue ch¹ains and further empower farmers.

He concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to ensuring that farmers and fishers remain leaders of the country’s agricultural space, acknowledging their contribution to sustaining the nation and driving shared progress.

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Canada Supports Women Farmers Cooperatives at Michel Camp with Mechanized Equipment as Ghana Reinforces Push for Food Security

The Government of Canada, through the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E Myriam Montrat, has strengthened its support for agricultural development in Ghana with the handover of a tractor, three power tillers, and five transplanters to the Michel Camp Women Farmers’ Cooperative.

The gesture, presented at a ceremony held at Michel Camp, is aimed at boosting mechanization, empowering women farmers, and enhancing food production capacity.

The event brought together officials from the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Kpone Katamanso Municipal Assembly, the Military High Command at Michel Camp, representatives from Global Affairs Canada, and development partners, including the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) Canada.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Canadian High Commissioner praised the women farmers for their resilience and consistent advocacy for mechanized support.

She recalled that their plea for improved tools was first highlighted during the June 2025 visit of Canada’s Secretary of State for International Development, Honourable Randeep Sarai, an engagement she said deeply influenced Canada’s decision to respond swiftly.“

Today is your day,” she told the women. “These machines are not just equipment; they are tools of empowerment that will expand your production, reduce your physical burden, strengthen your leadership in agribusiness, and secure better livelihoods for your families and community.”

She commended MEDA Canada for supporting the procurement of the equipment and praised the Michel Camp Military Command and local authorities for creating a disciplined and supportive environment that enables the cooperative to thrive.

Global Affairs Canada emphasized that the intervention aligns with Canada’s Africa Strategy, which prioritizes women’s empowerment, climate resilience, sustainable development, and inclusive growth. They stressed that empowering women farmers is a direct investment in stronger households and resilient communities.

At the engagement, Ghana’s Minister for Food and Agriculture reiterated the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture and reducing the country’s heavy dependence on food imports, which currently exceeds US$3 billion annually.

He described agriculture as the foundation of national development, noting, “When agriculture goes wrong, nothing else will have the chance to go right.”

The Minister explained that the Feed Ghana Program, launched earlier this year, is designed to boost food production for both consumption and agro-processing. Canada, he said, has been a strong partner in this initiative.

He highlighted Canada’s recent donation of 25 solar-powered boreholes to support irrigation, ten completed and fifteen nearing completion and emphasized the importance of strong cooperatives in enabling farmers to access modern equipment and negotiate better prices.

The Minister expressed delight that many of the beneficiaries are women-led cooperatives, calling them a model for sustainable agricultural development.

“When farmers come together, it becomes easier for government to support them,” he said. “This equipment would not have been given to one person, but because you are a cooperative, the entire group will benefit, and ultimately, the whole country will benefit through increased food production.”

He revealed that Ghana now has 70,000 registered farmer cooperatives, with plans to expand this number as part of the Feed Ghana Program.

The Minister also assured the community that the ministry is aware of the malfunctioning solar system and the siltation challenges affecting farming operations at Michel Camp.

He pledged that repairs would begin immediately after the Farmers’ Day celebration.“From Monday to next Friday, you will see action,” he assured, directing his team to move to the field to begin rehabilitation works.

He added that Ghana is shifting from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation-supported farming to ensure consistent year-round food production.

The Michel Camp Women Farmers’ Cooperative expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Government of Canada and its partners for the support. They pledged to make effective use of the equipment to increase production and contribute to national food security.

As Ghana prepares to celebrate Farmers’ Day on December 5, both governments reaffirmed their commitment to deepening agricultural cooperation.

“Canada is here for you,” the Canadian official declared. “Your determination inspires us, and your success strengthens the bond between our two nations.”

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