A steady expansion of eco- nomic ties between Australia and Ghana, over the last five years, has resulted in the appointment of a trade commissioner for West Africa by Australian Trade (Austrade), says trade commissioner – West Africa international operations Gordon Chakaodza, who is based in Accra, Ghana.

“As one of the fastest-growing economies on the continent, Ghana stands on the brink of a new phase of development and Australia stands ready to assist,” he says.

“Whether through investment or the transfer of skills and technology, Australia has the capabilities to help Ghana achieve its potential, particularly in the fields of mining, education, agriculture and water management.”

In mining, for example, Australian investment and expertise are already assisting Ghana to manage its mineral resources in an ethical and sustainable way, as Australian companies are working to unlock the wealth of Ghana’s extensive resources.
“Australian companies are regarded as leaders in corporate social responsibility and take these obligations seriously in this regard, ensuring communities affected by mining also have the chance to benefit,” Chakaodza says.

Investing heavily in Ghana’s mining and mining equipment, technology and services (METS) sector, Australian companies expect to make a fair return, while recognising the importance of giving the country, and its people, a fair return for the development of their natural resources.

Australia’s METS sector is helping Ghana boost productivity and reduce waste across its entire mining industry, with its expertise spanning the full mine development and production life cycle, including exploration, mine design and construction, infrastructure development, minerals processing and remediation, he says.

“Competition in Australia’s domestic METS sector has encouraged heavy investment in research and development, producing technological breakthroughs in everything from mine lighting and communications to software and all-terrain vehicles,” states Chakaodza.

Australia is also a world leader in mine safety and environmental protection.
Austrade and industry body Austmine last November led a delegation of Australian METS companies to Ghana and Burkina Faso, promoting further opportunities to assist in the development of Ghana’s mining industry.

“Austrade will continue to partner with the mining industry in Ghana to ensure the sector fully benefits from Australian skills, services and technology,” concludes Chakaodza.