By: Dominic Hlordzi
China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner and main source of investment in Africa.
In 2023, the bilateral trade volume exceeded 11 billion US dollars, increasing 10.4% year on year. In the first half of 2024, trade volume has reached nearly six billion US dollars, an increase of 13.3%.
China-aided projects are progressing steadily.
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. TONG Defa, said this at a Reception to commemorate Chinese National Day which was also used to mark the Ambassador’s assumption of Office in Ghana.
Touching on the Chinese projects in Ghana, he said in August 2024, the Phase Two Project of University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) was commissioned.
“Just last week, I had the honor to attend the handover ceremony of Jamestown Fishing Port Complex Project” he stated.
The China-aided annex building of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration is also scheduled to be completed within this year.
Ambassador Defa said China’s local investment keeps growing.
“In January, the Sentuo Oil Refinery was officially commissioned. It is a private investment of nearly 2 billion US dollars, making it the single largest investment in Ghana over the past decade.” He remarked.
He said in April, this year, the EU Chinatown Mall opened in Tamale, which is the second comprehensive Chinese supermarket in Ghana.
“The China-invested Sunon-Asogli Power Limited, Africa World Airlines, steel companies, ceramic companies and cement factories have all deeply integrated into the local society to benefit the people and boost industrialization.”
He noted that China-Ghana people-to-people exchanges keep bearing fruits, stating that tens of thousands of Ghanaian students are learning Chinese.
By the end of 2023, there are approximately 4,600 Ghanaian students studying in China, ranking the third among African countries.
Throughout the year, more than 9,000 Ghanaian friends have visited China for tourism, business, study or official purposes.
China has sent 13 batches of medical teams to Ghana, which has gained wide popularity.
Laaying in Ghana: “It is when someone loves you that he comes to your house.”
Ambassador Defa said China’s numerous projects, extensive investment and large community in Ghana all testify to the time-honored friendship between the two peoples as close as one family.
“As the new Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, I am deeply honored by the appointment and humbled by the important responsibility entrusted to me. Moreover, I’ve been greatly touched and honored, by the immense personal hospitality and high regard of bilateral relations shown by Your Excellency President, for your attendance to the FOCAC Summit and your presence today to celebrate Chinese National Day with us.”
He expressed his readiness to do his best to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Summit to deepen bilateral practical cooperation across the board for the benefit of Ghana and China.
“I am confident that with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Ghana relations will grow even stronger and closer.” He hopes.
Present at the ceremony was President Akufo-Addo, the Minister of National Security, Albert Kan Dapaah, government officials and the Diplomatic Corps.
