China’s Ambassador to Ghana Cong Song has called for greater representation and participation of African countries in global decision-making, saying the existing international governance system must be reformed to reflect present-day political and economic realities.
He said Africa and other developing regions deserved a stronger voice in institutions responsible for decisions on global peace, security, finance, trade and development.
The Ambassador made the call during an engagement with journalists participating in the 2026 Ghana-China Media Fellowship, organised by the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA) in Accra.
Speaking on China’s approach to global governance, security and international cooperation, Ambassador Cong said the international system should be founded on sovereign equality, multilateralism and respect for international law.
He observed that many global institutions were created under historical circumstances that no longer adequately reflected the composition and interests of today’s international community.
He, therefore, advocated reforms that would give developing countries greater influence over decisions affecting their economies, security and development.
He said China’s Global Governance Initiative sought to promote a fairer and more inclusive international system through consultation, cooperation and shared responsibility.
He emphasised that all countries, regardless of their size, economic strength, or political influence, should be treated as equal participants in international affairs.
Ambassador Cong noted that a more representative global governance system would enhance international cooperation and contribute to sustainable peace and development.
He said Africa’s call for reforms of global institutions was legitimate, particularly in view of the continent’s growing role in global affairs and its aspirations for stronger representation in international organisations, including the United Nations Security Council and international financial institutions.
He noted that increased African participation would help ensure that global policies better addressed the continent’s priorities, including development financing, debt sustainability, climate change, peace and security, technology transfer and reforms of the international financial architecture.
The engagement also provided participants with the opportunity to examine China’s position on reforming the international system and discuss how African countries could participate more effectively in shaping global governance.
The fellows also reflected on the need for stronger regional coordination, common policy positions and institutional capacity to enable African countries to influence international negotiations and decision-making.
Participants emphasised the importance of the media in critically evaluating proposals for global governance reforms and assessing whether they yield tangible benefits for African countries.
The Ghana-China Media Fellowship, organised by ACCPA, seeks to deepen journalists’ understanding of the evolving Ghana-China relationship and promote informed, evidence-based and balanced reporting on issues of mutual interest.
Source: GNA
