A high-level parliamentary delegation from Ghana has held fruitful engagements with the Australia-New Zealand Chapter of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) during a recent visit to Sydney.

The delegation, which included prominent Members of Parliament and the Clerk of Parliament, interacted with the Ghanaian diaspora community on key national issues and opportunities for collaboration.

During the discussions, the MPs highlighted the absence of a formal trade agreement between Ghana and Australia, stressing the need for future frameworks that would allow Ghanaian products to penetrate the Australian market.

On the contentious issue of dual nationality, the delegation assured Ghanaians abroad that Parliament is actively reviewing the matter to create a more inclusive environment for diaspora contributions.

The MPs also touched on the ongoing fight against illegal mining (galamsey), outlining the environmental risks and reaffirming the need for sustainable mining practices and stricter enforcement of laws.

Beyond governance, the team addressed wider socio-economic concerns, including:

Expanding education opportunities

Tackling youth unemployment

Strengthening healthcare partnerships

Promoting technology exchange

Encouraging diaspora investments in local industries

In a meeting with NDC members in Australia and New Zealand, the delegation reiterated the party’s commitment to accountability, social justice, and people-centred legislation.

Comrade Joshua Akuu, one of the executives of the NDC Australia/ New Zealand Chapter, admonished the parliamentary delegation to consider the views and concerns of Ghanaian traders in the diaspora when making laws, since the traders play a key role in promoting made-in-Ghana goods abroad, which significantly helps in strengthening the Ghanaian currency.

In his conclusion, comrade Joshua Akuu urge the government to tap into the skills and expertise of the NDC Chapters in the diaspora, especially the Australia/ New Zealand Chapter, since the Chapter is rich with experts across all sectors with several years of working experience abroad that could bring something innovative to help in building the Ghana we want. 

Honourable Thompson Kelly, who is the Chairman of the Australia/New Zealand Chapter, applauded the parliamentary delegation's engagement with the NDC executives and the Ghanaian Community in Australia.

Chairman Kelly expressed the NDC Australia/New Zealand Chapter’s readiness to support the NDC government in its resettling agenda

The NDC Australia-New Zealand Chapter expressed appreciation to the visiting MPs, pledging continued support to the party and vowing to intensify grassroots mobilisation within the diaspora community.