The Australian High Commission in Ghana has celebrated Australia Day, highlighting the strong partnership between Ghana and Australia. Australia Day is observed on 26 January each year. It marks the landing of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and celebrates Australia’s history, identity, and multicultural society. The day also recognises the country’s values of freedom, democracy, and equality.
In her address, the Australian High Commissioner, Berenice Owen-Jones reflected on what makes Australia unique, a nation shaped by diversity, resilience, and shared values, and noted the strong and enduring cooperation with Ghana. The partnership spans education, trade, development, and the extractives sector, and is strengthened by people-to-people links between the two countries.
The event welcomed several Ghanaian government representatives, including Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah, Minister for Lands and Natural Resources; Minister for Labour, Jobs and Employment; Dr. Abdul-Rashid Pelpuo, and Minister for Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Dr. Agnes Naa Momo Lartey. Also present were senior officials, members of the diplomatic corps, alumni of Australia Awards, business leaders, civil society representatives, the Australian community in Ghana, and friends of Australia.
Ghana and Australia have maintained strong relations for more than a decade, anchored in diplomacy, education, development, and trade. High-level visits, including Vice President John Dramani Mahama’s attendance at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in Perth in 2011, and Education Minister Betty Mould Iddrisu’s participation at Sydney University’s Africa Forum that same year, have strengthened bilateral cooperation.
Education and capacity-building remain key pillars of the partnership. Ghanaian students have studied in Australia through the Australia Awards, undertaking master’s degrees and short courses in health, education, public sector management, and mining. Government officials have also participated in training programs in Australia and in Ghana to enhance skills in diplomacy, trade, and governance.
Development cooperation has benefited local communities in Ghana. The Australian High Commission’s Direct Aid Program has provided over one million Cedis to support projects in health, education, water and sanitation, solar energy, skills training, and agriculture. Australia has also supported sports development in partnership with Ghana’s National Sports Council and promoted human rights through initiatives to strengthen police accountability.
Australian investment in Ghana is growing, particularly in the mining sector. Companies such as Adamus Resources, Azumah Resources, Perseus Mining, Lycopodium, and Barminco are active in the country. People-to-people connections, such as volunteer programs undertaken by Australians like Boyd Whalan, who experienced life in rural Ghana, further deepen bilateral ties.
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