Accra, Dec. 1, GNA - A group of Ghanaians, who studied in Australia and would like to come together to make an impact on Ghana's development have launched an Association of Alumni of Australian tertiary institutions in Ghana.

A statement signed by Mrs Nuna Senaya, Information Officer at the Australian High Commission on Friday, quoted Mr Jonathan Richardson, Australian High Commissioner, as saying at the launch of the Association of Australian Alumni in Ghana (AAAG) that it was clear there was a strong connection between Australia and Ghana on account of the significant number of Ghanaians, who had studied there and had returned home to make contribution to Ghana's development.

"Ghanaians returning from studying in Australia were positive about the experience and the skills it had given them."

He said Australian Government scholarships had produced many well-qualified Ghanaians, now working in many different areas, with a range of expertise.

Mr Richardson said many Ghanaians choosing to pay for their education abroad were also realising that an Australian education delivered excellent value for money and gave students the opportunity to study at leading international universities which delivered world-class education.

"Coming together as an association should provide a good opportunity for Australian alumni to network and get to know each other better," Mr Richardson said.

He announced that the High Commission had created a dedicated website for the Association, www.australianalumnighana.org that would be a source of information and networking for alumni spread far and wide. Interested persons may e-mail the Association at info@australianalumnighana.org or contact the Australian High Commission.

One of the initiators of the Association, Professor Sammy Sackey of the University of Ghana, said the idea to establish the Association was born out of the realisation that many Ghanaians had studied in Australia and had returned to make their mark in a range of fields. These alumni of Australian institutions could make a greater impact if linked together.

He said the idea was to develop a network that would show the tremendous positive impact Australia had had on Ghanaians. Mr Sackey expressed the hope that through experience sharing, Ghanaian alumni still in Australia would be encouraged to return home in order to reinvest their skills and experience into Ghana.