Australia Day commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788
The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, has highlighted the significant impact of Australian companies on Africa’s socio-economic development, noting that over the past 50 years, more than A$60 billion has been invested across 30 African countries.
Delivering a speech at the Australia Day celebration on Monday, January 26, 2026, High Commissioner Owen-Jones emphasized the substantial role Australian firms continue to play in Africa’s extractive industry. She noted that these investments have contributed significantly to economic growth and community development across the continent.
“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,” she said.
“It is a story of responsible investment, commitment to local communities, and adherence to the highest standards of occupational health, safety, and environmental practices,” she added.
Touching on Ghana, the High Commissioner noted that Australian companies have enjoyed a mutually beneficial relationship with the Ghanaian government and host communities. She described this collaboration as supportive of local development and singled out the Atlantic Lithium project at Ewoyaa as a key opportunity for further strengthening bilateral ties 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 stated.
Ms. Owen-Jones further observed that the bilateral relationship between Ghana and Australia has strengthened considerably during her tenure as High Commissioner, citing deliberate initiatives that have deepened cooperation between the two countries.
She noted that Australian companies continue to play diverse and important roles within Ghana’s economy.
“The relationship between Ghana and Australia has deepened significantly during my time here,” she added.
Australia Day, observed annually on January 26, is the country’s official national day. It commemorates the arrival of the First Fleet at Sydney Cove in 1788 and the raising of the British flag by Arthur Phillip.
The day is marked by public celebrations, community events, and citizenship ceremonies across Australia.
