Ghana, China reaffirm commitment to deepen strategic partnership

Ghana and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening their strategic partnership, with a focus on trade, investment, industrialization and development cooperation. The statement was made at a reception in Accra to celebrate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Cong Song, highlighted the shift in the partnership towards aligning development strategies and creating practical opportunities for both nations.

He emphasized their longstanding friendship dating back to 1960, when Chairman Mao Zedong and Ghana's first President, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, forged the initial connection. Since then, the relationship has grown stronger under Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ghana's President John Dramani Mahama, especially following Mahama's meetings with Xi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang during his 2025 visit to China.

Economic and trade cooperation remains a cornerstone of their relationship, with China being Ghana's largest trading partner and a significant source of foreign investment. In 2025, bilateral trade hit a record high of 14.1 billion US dollars, marking a 19.3% increase from the previous year. Chinese enterprises and community members in Ghana are investing in sectors like infrastructure, energy, mining, manufacturing, the digital economy and green agriculture.

Ghana is one of the first African countries to benefit from China's zero-tariff policy, which enables African nations to expand exports and boost industrialization. China's domestic market and aid-driven projects also present opportunities for Ghanaian businesses. People-to-people exchanges, including Confucius Institutes, Chinese medical teams and cultural events like the Chinese Film Festival, further strengthen the bond.

The Ambassador expressed optimism about the coming year, noting that Ghana will mark its 70th independence anniversary and take over the rotating chairmanship of the African Union in 2027. The 10th Ministerial Conference of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) is also expected to take place in the Republic of Congo next year.

Dr Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, Ghana's Minister for Environment, Science and Technology, represented President Mahama and emphasized Ghana's appreciation for China's development experience, particularly its long-term approach and focus on productive capacity. She stressed Ghana's interest in attracting more investment, strengthening business ties and increasing the presence of Ghanaian products in China.

Dr Agyeman-Rawlings also highlighted recent bilateral projects, such as the Aflao Market Project, the proposed University of Science and Technology in Damongo and the renovation of the National Theatre. However, she stressed that all investments and development partnerships must comply with Ghana's laws and national priorities. The reception, attended by government officials, MPs, diplomats, Chinese business leaders and members of Ghana's Chinese community, underscored the commitment of both countries to continue fostering their strong relationship.