Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, is pushing for a stronger agricultural partnership between Ghana and Australia to tackle food production challenges.
She believes that combining Australia’s agribusiness expertise with Ghana’s abundant arable lands will yield mutual benefits.
During a meeting with Australian High Commissioner Berenice Owen-Jones, Professor Opoku-Agyemang emphasized the potential for a strategic partnership to unlock long-term solutions to Ghana’s agricultural difficulties. In response, High Commissioner Owen-Jones announced plans to expand the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR) to Ghana, promoting collaborative research and innovation in mechanized farming and food self-sufficiency.
Beyond agriculture, the discussion touched on Australia’s significant mining investments in West Africa, estimated at $30 billion, with Ghana hosting a substantial share.
The upcoming Atlantic Lithium project in Ghana is expected to create over 900 direct jobs and boost local economies, pending parliamentary approval.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang commended Australia’s mining expertise while stressing the need for sustainable mining practices that align with Ghana’s developmental goals.
The meeting also highlighted Australia’s commitment to community development through its Direct Aid Program (DAP), which supports women, children, and marginalized communities in Ghana.
The Vice President praised the impact of the DAP, urging increased funding to further strengthen local community resilience. The meeting concluded with a reaffirmed commitment to enhancing cooperation in agriculture, mining, and community development, focusing on economic growth and sustainability.
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