The delegation held an interaction with the Ghanaian community in the country
The Australia–New Zealand Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) welcomed a high-level parliamentary delegation from Ghana during their visit to Sydney, Australia.
The visiting delegation comprised; the Second Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Hon. Andrew Asiamah Amoako (NPP MP for Fomena), the Deputy Majority Leader, George Kwaku Ricketts-Hagan (NDC MP for Cape Coast South), the First Deputy Majority Whip, Comfort Doyoe Cudjoe-Ghansah (NDC MP for Ada), Felix Akwetey Okle (NDC MP for Bortianor-Ngleshie Amanfro), Collings Adomako Baafi (NPP MP for Afigya Kwabre North) and a Senior Assistant Clerk at the Office of Parliament, Emmanuel Koranteng.
As part of their official engagements in Australia, the delegation held an interaction with the Ghanaian community through the invitation of the NDC Australia–New Zealand Chapter.
The meeting provided an open platform to discuss critical national issues, the role of Parliament, and opportunities for greater collaboration between Ghana and its diaspora communities.
A major highlight of the discussion was the subject of Ghana’s trade relations with Australia.
The MPs acknowledged that Ghana currently has no formal trade agreement with Australia, a gap which limits the growth of imports and exports between the two countries.
The delegation emphasized the need for future frameworks that could promote Ghanaian products such as cocoa, shea butter, and handicrafts in the Australian market, while also creating opportunities for Australian investments in Ghana.
The issue of dual nationality was also raised, as many Ghanaians in Australia expressed interest in contributing directly to national development while retaining their residency or citizenship in their host country.
The MPs assured the gathering that Parliament is actively reviewing such concerns to make diaspora contributions more inclusive and beneficial to Ghana.
Another key subject that was discussed in the MPs engagement with the Ghanaian community was illegal mining (galamsey) and its health, social, economic and environmental impacts.
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The MPs shared insights into the ongoing national debate, stressing the need for sustainable mining practices, stronger enforcement, and community-based interventions to protect Ghana’s land, forest and water resources.
Earlier, the delegation, predominantly made up of NDC MPs, also held a special session with party comrades in Australia–New Zealand.
They discussed the performance of the current Parliament where the NDC commands a two-thirds majority, outlining how this advantage is being used to push for accountability, social justice, and people-centred legislations.
Other issues of interest that emerged during the interaction included education, youth employment, healthcare partnerships, technology exchange, and diaspora investments in local industries.
Participants expressed enthusiasm about exploring ways to link Ghanaian professionals abroad to fill the skills and knowledge gaps back home.
The NDC Australia–New Zealand Chapter expressed gratitude to the visiting MPs for their time, their frank discussion of national issues, and their reassurance of the important role the diaspora continues to play in Ghana’s democratic and economic growth.
The Chapter pledged its continuous support to the party, the country, and reaffirmed its commitment to deepening grassroots mobilization across the diaspora.
