Ghana's High Commissioner calls on Speaker of Parliament in Australia

The High Commissioner, Dr. Joseph Agoe paid a courtesy call to the Speaker of Parliament of Australia, Honorable Tony Smith following a message of congratulations the Speaker conveyed to Dr. Agoe on the presentation of his letters of credence to the Governor- General.

During the meeting, the high commissioner congratulated Tony Smith on his election for the high Officer of Speaker of Parliament, being the first Speaker to be elected unopposed on three occasions, since Frederick Holder, the inaugural holder of the position.

Discussions between the High Commissioner and the Speaker were centered on Ghana - Australia Relations, both at the bilateral and multilateral levels.

At the bilateral level, deliberations included working together to further enhance collaboration in the areas of parliamentary cooperation, grants for small businesses (SME), technology exchange/partnerships, health, mining, Agrobusiness and knowledge sharing programs.

The High Commissioner emphasized the need for stronger collaboration in the education sector in which Australia has comparative advantage, particularly in the field of science and technology. The High Commissioner also highlighted the need for improved trade and economic relations between the two countries.

In his response, the Speaker acknowledged the relations between Ghana and Australia and the need to deepen the existing ties in all the areas mentioned. The Speaker indicated that the Mineral Council of Australia, based in Canberra and representing all the Mineral Companies in Australia is one of the organizations the High commissioner would need to collaborate with.

The meeting ended with an invitation from the Speaker to the High commissioner to attend Parliamentary sittings where Head of missions could ask questions and be recognized by the house. He also promised to link up with his Ghanaian counterpart to map out areas for mutual parliamentary cooperation.