President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Australia, identifying mining, agriculture, technology transfer and trade as key areas for expanded cooperation.
The President made the remarks when he received the outgoing Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Madam Berenice Owen-Jones, at the Presidency in Accra as she paid a farewell call after completing her four-year diplomatic assignment.
President Mahama described the longstanding relationship between Ghana and Australia as one rooted in shared democratic values and historical ties dating back to Ghana’s independence, noting that Australia was among the first countries to recognise the newly independent nation.
He praised Madam Owen-Jones for her contribution to strengthening relations between the two countries and expressed Ghana’s appreciation for her service.
The President said Ghana and Australia continued to enjoy strong cooperation through their membership of the Commonwealth and their shared positions on several international issues, particularly within the United Nations.
Highlighting opportunities for greater collaboration, President Mahama said Ghana remained keen on working with Australia to promote value addition in the mining sector by processing more minerals locally instead of exporting raw materials.
He also stressed the importance of technology transfer, noting that Ghanaian professionals working in Australia’s mining industry had contributed to strengthening cooperation between the two countries.
Beyond mining, the President identified agriculture and agro-processing as sectors with significant potential for partnership, given Australia’s expertise in modern agricultural practices.
He further called for increased trade and investment to unlock new economic opportunities for both countries.
Madam Owen-Jones, in her remarks, described Ghana as the cornerstone of Australia’s engagement in West Africa and thanked the Government and people of Ghana for their cooperation during her tenure.
She also extended Australia’s condolences to the Government and people of Ghana over the devastating June 29 floods in the Greater Accra Region, which claimed 13 lives and left six people missing.
The farewell meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to sustaining and expanding their longstanding diplomatic and economic partnership.
