Ghana has helped Australia’s mining investment to expand — Australian High Commissioner

Australia's mining investments in West Africa have reached an estimated $30 billion, with Ghana playing a key role in this economic expansion. 

This is as a result of the long-standing relations between the two countries, particularly hinged on the mining industry.

The country’s stake in Australia’s mining portfolio was a major highlight during a meeting between the Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, and the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, last Tuesday.  

Meeting

The meeting was to discuss issues of bilateral interest and also for the High Commissioner to congratulate the Vice-President on her historic achievement in rising to the high office.

Beyond mining, the discussions extended to agricultural development, research collaboration, and grassroots empowerment.

It also touched on broader international cooperation, with both leaders affirming their commitment to shared goals such as gender equality, climate action and peacekeeping.

Ms Owen-Jones reaffirmed Australia’s longstanding support for Ghanaian communities through the Direct Aid Programme (DAP), which has empowered women, children and marginalised groups for decades.

She also emphasised Australia’s commitment to deepening economic ties with Ghana, particularly in the extractive sector, expressing enthusiasm about the anticipated commencement of Atlantic Lithium’s project in Ghana, which awaits parliamentary approval of its mining licence.

“The project promises to generate over 900 direct jobs for Ghanaians, boosting local economies,” the Ambassador stated.  

Food security

The High Commissioner also announced the expansion of the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) into Ghana, an initiative aimed at enhancing food security and climate resilience.  

Ms Owen-Jones expressed Australia’s willingness to align with Ghana’s development priorities, including the 24-hour economy model, which Australia has successfully implemented in cities such as Sydney.  

Impactful partnerships

Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang said Australia’s expertise in various sectors provides valuable insights for Ghana as it navigated complex global challenges, and welcomed  the potential for knowledge transfer as bilateral relations deepened between the two countries.

She also commended Australia’s expertise in mining and highlighted the importance of sustainability which was also the highlight of Ghana’s goal to ensure responsible resource extraction aligns with its long-term economic vision.

“Our new administration is keen on partnerships that prioritise environmental protection and community development.

Touching on Australia’s initiative to support Ghana’s 13 agricultural research institutes, the Vice-President stated that the move would help advance mechanised farming and strengthen agricultural value chains.  

“This partnership can unlock solutions to pressing challenges in food production and rural development,” she stressed, acknowledging the initiative’s impact and thus, calling for increased support to bolster local resilience.

Vice-President Opoku-Agyemang stressed that it was a fact that empowered women transformed entire communities and while supporting the cooperation from Australia for gender equality, advocated expanded initiatives in education and women’s empowerment.