Australian,Libyan envoys bid farewell

Page 31 (lead) Jan 30/2008

Story: Charles Benoni Okine

THE Vice-President, Alhaji Aliu Mahama, has called on the Australian government to relax its visa acquisition processes for well-meaning Ghanaians, including business-minded people who want to visit that country.
He said there had been many complaints about the cumbersome visa application process at the Consular Section of the Australian High Commission in Accra and noted that if the process was made easier, both countries would benefit.
Alhaji Mahama made the call yesterday when the outgoing Australian High Commissioner in Ghana, Mr Jonathan Richardson, paid a farewell call on him at the Castle, Osu.
He said the relationship between the two countries dated back to Ghana’s independence and indicated that the sharing of ideas and businesses would go a long way to strengthen the bond between their peoples.
Alhaji Mahama said Ghana had enjoyed a stable environment with the advent of the Fourth Republic, adding, “Our economy is fast improving and our democracy is also thriving.”
The Vice-President said it was against that background that the country had invited foreign investors, including Australians, to show greater interest in Ghana’s economy.
“We know the Australians are already into mining, among other sectors, but we know they can do more to accelerate the growth of the country,” he added.
Alhaji Mahama entreated the outgoing High Commissioner to be Ghana’s ambassador to tell the Ghana story to enable Australians to invest in the economy.
Mr Richardson, for his part, said he had enjoyed a good working environment while in active duty in the country and
pledged to do his best for Ghana, even while he was back in his home country.
Also at the Castle was the outgoing Libyan Ambassador, Mr Mohammed Al Gamadi, who said Ghana and Libya had a lot more to do to ensue that the African Union Government became a reality.
The Vice-President, for his part, said Ghana would do its best to ensure that the dream of its first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, of seeing Africa as one materialised.
He wished the two envoys well in their future endeavours.