The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, highlighted the significant impact of Australian companies on Africa’s socio-economic development, noting that over the past fifty years, Australian companies have invested more than A$60 billion across 30 African countries.
In her speech delivered at the Australia Day celebration on Monday, January 26, 2026, High Commissioner Owen-Jones emphasized the substantial role of Australian companies in Africa’s extractive industry. Through these investments, she said, the companies have contributed to economic growth and community development.
“I am always happy to advocate the story of Australian companies’ contribution to the African extractives sector over the last fifty years or so. With over 170 Australian mining companies active in 30 African countries and investments exceeding A$60 billion, we are proud of their contribution to economic growth and community development.
“It is a story of responsible investment, commitment to local communities, and adherence to the highest standards of occupational health, safety, and environmental practices.”
In Ghana, she remarked that Australian companies have enjoyed a mutually successful relationship with the Ghanaian government and local communities, supporting their development. She singled out the Atlantic Lithium project (Ewoyaa) as a key avenue for strengthening the bilateral relationship between Ghana and Australia.
“It is a story of Australian companies working in partnership with the Ghanaian government and local communities. Whether it is the Edikan Perseus mine, which employs more than 1,100 Ghanaians, or the potential of Atlantic Lithium—Ghana’s first lithium project, which is expected to create several thousand direct and indirect jobs and generate substantial tax and royalty income,” she said.
Ms. Owen-Jones further noted that the bilateral relationship between Ghana and Australia has strengthened considerably during her tenure as High Commissioner. Through deliberate efforts and initiatives, the two countries have deepened their cooperation, with Australian companies playing diverse and important roles in Ghana’s economy.
“The relationship between Ghana and Australia has deepened significantly during my time here,” she added.
Australia Day, held annually on January 26, is Australia’s official national day. It marks the 1788 arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove and the raising of the British flag by Arthur Phillip. It is a public holiday celebrated with community events and citizenship ceremonies.
