Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, Vice President of Ghana, has stressed the importance of deepening agricultural collaboration between Ghana and Australia to address the country’s food production challenges.
She highlighted Australia’s agribusiness expertise and Ghana’s abundant arable lands, emphasizing that closer ties in this sector could bring significant mutual benefits.
During a courtesy call by Australian High Commissioner Berenice Owen-Jones, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang stated that a strategic partnership could offer long-term solutions to Ghana’s agricultural issues.
In response, High Commissioner Owen-Jones shared plans to expand the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to Ghana, aiming to promote collaborative research and innovation aligned with Ghana’s mechanized farming agenda and goal of food self-sufficiency.
Owen-Jones also highlighted Australia’s significant $30 billion mining investments in West Africa, with Ghana hosting a large portion. She expressed optimism about Atlantic Lithium’s upcoming project in Ghana, which, pending parliamentary approval, could create over 900 direct jobs and stimulate local economies.
The Vice President commended Australia’s mining expertise while urging for sustainable practices that align with Ghana’s development objectives.
The discussions also touched on Australia’s long-standing commitment to community development through its Direct Aid Program (DAP).
The High Commissioner reaffirmed Australia’s dedication to supporting women, children, and marginalized communities in Ghana through targeted interventions.
Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang praised the impact of the DAP, urging increased funding to further strengthen local community resilience.
The meeting reaffirmed the commitment of both nations to enhancing cooperation in agriculture, mining, and community development, with a focus on economic growth and sustainability.
