The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, has assured the new Ghanaian government of the support of her country in its economic growth strategy, particularly in the mining sector.
Speaking during the High Commissioner’s call on Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, to officially congratulate her on her new role, she stated that Australia has considerable mining investments in West Africa, which amount to $30 billion, with a significant portion located in Ghana.
She expressed optimism that these investments in the mining sector would create numerous job opportunities for Ghanaians, thereby positively impacting the economy.
The High Commissioner expressed enthusiasm about Atlantic Lithium’s upcoming project in Ghana, pending parliamentary ratification of its mining license.
“The project promises to generate over 900 direct jobs for Ghanaians, boosting local economies,” she said.
She also said that the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) in Ghana was one of the initiative being used to empower women and ensure the growth of Ghana’s agriculture sector.
According to her, the initiative will foster collaborative research and innovation in agriculture and supporting the government’s mechanised farming agenda and efforts towards food self-sufficiency.
“Agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy and we would continue to collaborate and invest in the sector to ensure growth and sustainability,” she said.
She commended the Vice President for her achievements which would serve as a huge motivation for women, especially entrepreneurs.
Responding, Professor Opoku-Agyemang expressed delight with the huge interest and investment made by the Australian government in the country, in areas of mining, agriculture, industry and community empowerment.
She noted that through innovations such as the Direct Aid Programme (DAP), women and the marginalised in the Ghanaian society were being empowered.
“Empowering women is a strategic move towards the attainment of equality and the overall development of Ghanaian society,” the report by the Ghanaian Times quoted the Vice President as saying.
She assured the High Commissioner that the Mahama’s government is prepared to join forces with countries like Australia to deal with the effects of climate change and commended Australia’s mining expertise and called for sustainable practices that align with Ghana’s developmental goals.
GIK/APA