Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Gregory Andrews, has ended his tour of duty after 17 months in the country.
He met President Akufo-Addo last week to bid farewell to him at the Jubilee House, Accra.
The High Commissioner was also accredited to eight other countries in West Africa including Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone and Togo but was based mostly in Accra.
The outgoing High Commissioner in his farewell call told the President that although his tour of duty appeared short, he is leaving with fond memories.
He 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 government for its efforts to stop the abuse of the country’s natural resources.
President Akufo-Addo, in his response, indicated that even though the High Commissioner’s stay has been short, it had been a “packed programme,” and lauded the 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,” the President stated.
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 economic ties and stronger bilateral trade between our two countries,” he said.
By Charles Takyi- Boadu