Canadian support sparks Ghana’s solar revolution 

In 1997, a small Ghanaian construction company owned just one second-hand theodolite—a precision instrument for measuring angles. That single instrument marked the beginning of John Murphy Construction’s journey toward success. At the time, winning contracts was nearly impossible, and without equipment, the company couldn’t compete for major projects. Renting tools drained resources, and bank loans came with crushing interest rates.

Everything changed when the Government of Canada introduced a financing facility in Ghanaian Cedis. The loan came with a manageable 25% interest rate and one condition: purchases had to include at least 60% Canadian content.

With support from local banks, the program created a revolving loan system that helped businesses grow sustainably.

That opportunity allowed John Murphy Construction to expand and eventually become LMI Holdings. It is now one of Ghana’s largest Indigenous-owned companies.

Why this achievement matters for Canada 

This success story matters because growth in low- and middle-income countries creates ripple effects that extend far beyond their borders. Thriving local businesses foster global stability, unlock trade opportunities, and help reduce the pressures that lead to instability.

In 2024, Canada exported approximately $300 million in goods to Ghana and imported around $160 million, ranging from cereals and cars to cocoa and oil seed products. These exchanges support jobs and innovation on both sides.

Building a greener future together

One of LMI Holdings’ most impressive achievements is the creation of Helios Solar Company. It recently unveiled the world’s third-largest rooftop solar farm in Tema’s Meridian Industrial Park. Building on this success, LMI is also integrating a 200-megawatt solar farm. That is enough to power about 150,000 homes. Their goal is to reach 1,000 megawatts by 2030. This clean energy will supply local industries and cut carbon emissions.

LMI is building a 30 km rail link to Ghana’s ports. It’s also building two inland ports along a 500 km waterway. These infrastructures will further reduce emissions and costs, and efficiently move goods to northern Ghana and landlocked countries.

A blueprint for international development done right

From a single tool to a half-billion-dollar enterprise, LMI Holdings stands Today as a highly diversified Ghanaian conglomerate.
It has operations in:

• construction
• industrial park development
• real estate
• warehousing and logistics
• utilities
• information and communication technology

This company in Ghana turned one tool into a global force for good. That’s not just a story, it’s a blueprint for building a future where everyone has the tools to rise.

Supporting local growth means building bridges for the future. Development paves the way for strong trade relationships, where each country benefits from cooperation. It creates a more prosperous and sustainable world.