First Indigenous Australian High Commissioner Bids President Akufo-addo Farewell After 17-Month Duty Tour
The first indigenous Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Gregory Andrews, has ended his tour of duty in Ghana after seventeen (17) months in the country.
High Commissioner Andrews was accredited to eight (8) other countries in West Africa apart from Ghana. They include Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo.
The outgoing High Commissioner in his farewell call on President Akufo-Addo at the Jubilee House on the 17th of December 2021, noted that although his tour of duty in Ghana and all the other West African nations he had concurrent accreditation to has been short, he is leaving with fond memories.
In his farewell remarks, High Commissioner Gregory Andrews commended the President, his government and the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Abu Jinapor, for the fight against illegal mining, which is popularly known as “galamsey”.
He noted that as an indigenous Australian, all efforts to preserve land, river bodies, the ecosystem and natural resources, would always have his support and that is why he is compelled to congratulate the government for its efforts to stop the abuse of the country’s natural resources.
President Akufo-Addo
President Akufo-Addo, in his response, indicated that even though the High Commissioner’s stay has been short, it had been a “packed programme” he had had in Ghana.
The President congratulated the Australian envoy for his demonstrated love and concern for Ghana during his short stay.
“You have been a very active High Commissioner here and we have enjoyed your presence here in Ghana.
“You have been quite vocal on several issues and I think that people have appreciated the dynamism of your representation,” President Akufo-Addo said.
Trade Relations
The President further noted that it is time for the good relationship that exists between Ghana and Australia to be stepped up to improve trade and economic relations between the two countries.
“I think what we are looking forward to now is stronger and stronger economic ties, stronger bilateral trade between our two countries,” Akufo-Addo said.
Australian culture
Australian culture is as broad and varied as the country’s landscape. Australia is multicultural and multiracial and this is reflected in the country’s food, lifestyle and cultural practices and experience.
Australia has an important heritage from its indigenous people, which plays a defining role in the cultural landscape.
This diversity of influences creates a cultural environment in Australia that is lively, energized, innovative and outward-looking.
From Wilberforce Asare