List of high commissioners of Australia to Ghana explained

Post:High Commissioner of Australia to Ghana
Insignia:Coat of Arms of Australia.svg
Insigniasize:120px
Department:Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Incumbent:Berenice Owen-Jones
Residence:Accra
Nominator:Prime Minister of Australia
Style:Her Excellency
Appointer:Governor General of Australia
Reports To:Minister for Foreign Affairs
Formation:21 February 1958
Inaugural:Stewart Wolfe Jamieson
Website:Australian High Commission, Ghana

The high commissioner of Australia to Ghana is an officer of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the head of the High Commission of the Commonwealth of Australia in Accra, Ghana. The position has the rank and status of an ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary and is currently held by Berenice Owen-Jones since 6 July 2022. The ambassador also holds non-resident accreditation as high commissioner to Sierra Leone (1981–1985, since 2004), and Togo (since 2009), and as ambassador to Burkina Faso (since 2008), Côte d'Ivoire (1974–1985, since 2004), Mali (since 2004), Senegal (1974–1985, since 2004), Liberia (since 2008), and Guinea (since 2008). Non-resident accreditation as high commissioner to The Gambia was also held from 1982 to 1985, and from 2004 to 2008. Australia maintained a High Commission in Accra from 1957 to 1985, at which point accreditation was held by the high commissioner in Nigeria. The High Commission was re-established in 2004.

Posting history

Australia was one of the first countries to recognise Ghana on its independence from 6 March 1957. The Australian Government sent Frederick Osborne, the Minister for Air, and Keith Brennan from the Department of External Affairs, as well as three RAAF Lockheed P-2 Neptune aircraft, to attend and participate in the independence celebrations from 2–10 March.[1] On 27 August 1957, the Minister for External Affairs, Richard Casey, announced the establishment of an Australian High Commission in Accra.[2] On 16 October 1957, Stewart Wolfe Jamieson was announced as the first high commissioner, who assumed duty on 21 February 1958 based in the Ambassador Hotel Accra.[3] [4] [5]

On 19 August 1974, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Don Willesee, announced the appointment of the high commissioner in Ghana, David Evans, as Australia's first ambassador to Senegal and Ivory Coast, marking the establishment of diplomatic relations with these countries.[6] In October 1981, the high commissioner received non-resident accreditation as the first high commissioner to Sierra Leone.[7] In February 1982, high commissioner Anthony Dingle, presented his commission as Australia's first high commissioner to The Gambia.[8] However, in March 1985 the Foreign Minister, Bill Hayden, announced that due to budgetary pressures and as part of a rearrangement of Australian diplomatic representation in Africa, the high commission in Accra would be closed, with accreditation transferred to High Commission in Nigeria.[9] On his decision, Hayden noted the following to the Australian Parliament's Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence: "The decision to close the High Commission in Accra was not easy. Australia values its good relationship with Ghana and has no wish to give the impression that it is not concerned with or interested in the issues of the area. I have assured the Ghanaian Government that Australia looks forward to maintaining close relations through the accreditation of a non-resident high commissioner."[10]

On 30 June 2004, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer announced the official reopening of the Australian High Commission in Accra, with non-resident accreditation for Cote d'Ivoire, The Gambia, Senegal and Sierra Leone being transferred from the High Commission in Nigeria. In September 2008 the governments of Australia and Liberia agreed to establish diplomatic relations at the ambassador level, with high commissioner Billy Williams becoming Australia's first Ambassador to Liberia from February 2009.[11] [12]

Heads of mission

Officeholder Other offices Residency Term start date Term end date Time in office Notes
align=center n/aAccraalign=right
align=center (Acting)align=right [13]
align=center align=right [14] [15] [16]
align=center (Acting)align=right [17]
align=center (Acting)align=right [18] [19]
align=center align=right [20] [21] [22]
align=center align=right [23] [24] [25]
align=center align=right [26] [27] [28]
align=center R. J. Percivalalign=right [29] [30]
align=center David Evansalign=right [31] [32] [33]
align=center John McCrediealign=right [34] [35]
align=center Anthony Dinglealign=right [36]
align=center Geoffrey Allenalign=right [37] [38]
align=center n/aAbuja, Nigeriaalign=right [39]
align=center Hugh Wyndhamalign=right [40] [41]
align=center Oliver Cordellalign=right [42] [43]
align=center Howard Brownalign=right [44] [45]
align=center align=right [46]
align=center Bob Whittyalign=right [47]
align=center Iain Dickealign=right [48]
align=center Jon RichardsonAccraalign=right [49] [50] [51]
align=center Billy Williamsalign=right [52] [53]
align=center Joanna Adamsonalign=right [54] [55] [56]
align=center Andrew Barnesalign=right [57] [58]
align=center Gregory Andrewsalign=right [59] [60] [61] [62] [63]
align=center Incumbentalign=right [64]

Notes

Also non-resident Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, 1974–1985 and 2004–present.

Also non-resident Ambassador to Senegal, 1974–1985 and 2004–present.

Also non-resident High Commissioner to Sierra Leone, 1981–1985 and 2004–present.

Also non-resident High Commissioner to The Gambia, 1982–1985, 2004–2008.

Also non-resident Ambassador to Mali, 2004–present.

Also non-resident Ambassador (2009–2022) and High Commissioner (2022–present) to Togo.

Also non-resident Ambassador to Burkina Faso, 2008–present.

Also non-resident Ambassador to Liberia, 2008–present.

Also non-resident Ambassador to Guinea, 2008–present.

External links

Notes and References

  1. Ghana . Current Notes on International Affairs . March 1957 . 28 . 3 . 206 . 3 November 2022 . Department of External Affairs.
  2. Ghana . Current Notes on International Affairs . August 1957 . 28 . 8 . 646 . 3 November 2022 . Department of External Affairs.
  3. Ghana . Current Notes on International Affairs . October 1957 . 28 . 10 . 808-809 . 3 November 2022 . Department of External Affairs.
  4. Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . February 1958 . 29 . 2 . 128 . 3 November 2022 . Department of External Affairs.
  5. Australian Overseas Representation . Current Notes on International Affairs . January 1958 . 29 . 1 . 61 . 3 November 2022 . Department of External Affairs.
  6. Appointment of Ambassador to Senegal and the Ivroy [Sic] Coast ]. Australian Foreign Affairs Record . August 1974 . 45 . 8 . 559 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  7. Diplomatic appointments . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . October 1981 . 52 . 10 . 520 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  8. Australian Representation Overseas . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . February 1982 . 53 . 2 . 92 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  9. News: Mission in Ghana to close down. Teresa. Mannix. 19 March 1985. 3. The Canberra Times.
  10. Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Defence: Australia's diplomatic representation in Africa and adjacent island States . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . April 1985 . 56 . 4 . 353 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  11. News: Liberia and Australia to Establish Ties . 4 November 2022 . Liberia Executive Mansion . 25 September 2008 . Media Release.
  12. News: New Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Australia to Liberia presents Letters of Credence . 4 November 2022 . Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Liberia . 2013 . Media Release.
  13. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . February 1960 . 31 . 2 . 98 . 3 November 2022 . Department of External Affairs.
  14. News: Diplomatic postings announced. 3 March 1960. 2. The Canberra Times. ACT. Mr. S. W. Jamieson, formerly High Commissioner in Accra, Ghana, since the post was opened in February 1958.
  15. News: Mr. B. C. Ballard, who has been appointed High Commissioner to Ceylon. 19 July 1962. 2. The Canberra Times. ACT.
  16. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . May 1960 . 31 . 5 . 244 . 3 November 2022 . Department of External Affairs.
  17. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . May 1963 . 33 . 5 . 65 . 3 November 2022 . Department of External Affairs.
  18. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . March 1963 . 34 . 3 . 54 . 3 November 2022 . Department of External Affairs.
  19. News: Appointment for Laos. 20 June 1964. 7. The Canberra Times.
  20. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . March 1965 . 36 . 3 . 161 . 3 November 2022 . Department of External Affairs.
  21. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . July 1965 . 36 . 7 . 447 . 3 November 2022 . Department of External Affairs.
  22. News: Envoy to Laos named. 6 January 1968. 7. The Canberra Times.
  23. News: Appointed Envoy to Ghana. 14 September 1967. 3. The Canberra Times.
  24. Australian High Commissioner in Ghana . Current Notes on International Affairs . September 1967 . 38 . 9 . 388 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  25. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . November 1967 . 38 . 11 . 528 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  26. Diplomatic appointments . Current Notes on International Affairs . August 1970 . 41 . 8 . 442 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  27. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Current Notes on International Affairs . December 1970 . 41 . 12 . 650 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  28. News: Envoys named. 22 February 1973. 3. The Canberra Times.
  29. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . March 1973 . 44 . 3 . 222 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  30. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . June 1973 . 44 . 6 . 436 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  31. News: Appointed to Ghana post. 26 March 1974. The Canberra Times. 7.
  32. Representation - Australian Representation Overseas . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . June 1974 . 45 . 6 . 409 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  33. First Ambassador to Ivory Coast . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . August 1975 . 46 . 8 . 452 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  34. Diplomatic appointments . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . May 1977 . 48 . 5 . 274 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  35. Australian Representation Overseas . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . August 1977 . 48 . 8 . 436 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  36. News: New envoy named. 27 June 1980. 3. The Canberra Times.
  37. Appointment of High Commissioner to Ghana . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . July 1983 . 54 . 7 . 365 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  38. News: Envoy to Ghana. 16 July 1983. The Canberra Times. 3.
  39. High Commissioner to Nigeria . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . January 1983 . 54 . 1 . 51 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  40. High Commissioner to Nigeria . Australian Foreign Affairs Record . June 1986 . 57 . 6 . 553 . 3 November 2022 . Department of Foreign Affairs.
  41. News: New envoy appointed to Nigeria. 12 June 1986. 12. The Canberra Times.
  42. News: Evans . Gareth . Diplomatic appointment: Nigeria . 3 November 2022 . Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government . 19 May 1989 . ParlInfo . Media Release.
  43. News: Cordell appointed. The Canberra Times. 13. 25 May 1989.
  44. News: Evans . Gareth . Diplomatic appointment: Nigeria . 3 November 2022 . Minister for Foreign Affairs, Australian Government . 2 March 1993 . ParlInfo . Media Release.
  45. Nigeria: Recall of the Australian High Commissioner. 12 November 1995. https://web.archive.org/web/20140212032258/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/1995/m134.html. 12 February 2014. Australian Government. Gareth. Evans. Gareth Evans (politician).
  46. Diplomatic Appointment: High Commissioner to Nigeria. https://web.archive.org/web/20140212031049/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/1997/fa111_97.html. 12 February 2014. 22 September 1997. Alexander. Downer. Alexander Downer. Australian Government.
  47. Diplomatic Appointment: High Commissioner to Nigeria. https://web.archive.org/web/20140212023210/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2000/fa098_2000.html. 12 February 2014. 2 September 2000. Alexander. Downer. Alexander Downer. Australian Government.
  48. Diplomatic Appointment: High Commissioner to Nigeria. https://web.archive.org/web/20140212014907/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2004/fa023_04.html. 12 February 2014. 12 February 2004. Alexander. Downer. Alexander Downer. Australian Government.
  49. Australian Government. Alexander. Downer. Alexander Downer. Diplomatic Appointment: High Commissioner to Ghana. 18 May 2004. https://web.archive.org/web/20140212014617/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2004/fa069_04.html. 12 February 2014.
  50. New Australian High Commission in Ghana. Australian Government. Alexander. Downer. Alexander Downer. 12 February 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140212013419/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2004/fa096_04.html. 30 June 2004.
  51. Web site: Mr J Richardson - High Commissioner to Ghana . Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade . 3 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20041212080709/http://www.dfat.gov.au/homs/gh.html . 12 December 2004.
  52. Diplomatic Appointment - High Commissioner to Ghana. Australian Government. https://web.archive.org/web/20150406224005/http://www.foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2008/fa-s011_08.html. 6 April 2015. 10 January 2008. Stephen. Smith. Stephen Smith (Australian politician).
  53. Web site: Mr W Williams - High Commissioner to Ghana . Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade . 3 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20080704193348/http://www.dfat.gov.au/homs/gh.html . 4 July 2008.
  54. High Commissioner to Ghana. Bob. Carr. Bob Carr. Australian Government. 26 September 2012. 3 April 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150403033950/http://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/2012/bc_mr_120928a.html.
  55. News: The Australian. 28 September 2012. New high commissioner appointed for Ghana . News Corp. AAP.
  56. Web site: Ms Joanna Adamson - High Commissioner to Ghana . Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade . 3 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130217062341/http://www.dfat.gov.au/homs/gh.html . 17 February 2013.
  57. High Commissioner to Ghana. 5 May 2016. Julie. Bishop. Julie Bishop. Australian Government. 30 March 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190330215749/https://foreignminister.gov.au/releases/Pages/2016/jb_mr_160505a.aspx?w=tb1CaGpkPX%2FlS0K%2Bg9ZKEg%3D%3D.
  58. Web site: High Commissioner to Ghana - Mr Andrew Barnes . Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade . 3 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20170908190103/http://dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-people/homs/Pages/high-commissioner-to-ghana.aspx . 8 September 2017.
  59. Payne. Marise. Marise Payne. High Commissioner to Ghana . Australian Government. 26 June 2020. 2 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201202185030/https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/marise-payne/media-release/high-commissioner-ghana.
  60. Web site: High Commissioner to Ghana . Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade . 3 November 2022 . https://web.archive.org/web/20201103031431/https://www.dfat.gov.au/about-us/our-people/homs/Pages/high-commissioner-to-ghana . 3 November 2020.
  61. News: Watson . Graeme . Australia’s man in Ghana reportedly recalled over support for LGBTI people . 3 November 2022 . OutinPerth . 14 December 2021.
  62. News: Andrews . Gregory . Freedom of faith can't be an excuse for freedom to hate . 3 November 2022 . The Canberra Times . 12 February 2022.
  63. News: Australian diplomat who helped commission LGBTQ+ office to leave Ghana . 3 November 2022 . GhanaWeb . 11 December 2021.
  64. Wong. Penny. Penny Wong. High Commissioner to Ghana . Australian Government. 6 July 2022. 29 October 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20221029205958/https://www.foreignminister.gov.au/minister/penny-wong/media-release/high-commissioner-ghana.

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