|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The People’s Republic of China Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. CONG Song, has reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with Ghana, describing the longstanding ties between the two countries as a friendship built on mutual support, solidarity and shared development interests.
Speaking at a reception to commemorate the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Ambassador expressed appreciation to dignitaries and guests who attended the celebration, particularly Hon. Zanetor Agyeman-Rawlings, who represented the Government of Ghana.
The Ambassador said the presence of Hon. Agyeman-Rawlings brought to mind the historic relationship between her father, former President Jerry John Rawlings, and Chinese leaders.
He recalled that President Rawlings visited China twice during his tenure and developed close relations with Chinese leaders, describing those engagements as part of the historical foundation of China-Ghana friendship.
China-Ghana trade reaches $14.1 billion
A major highlight of the Ambassador’s address was the growing economic relationship between Ghana and China.
According to him, bilateral trade between the two countries reached a record US$14.1 billion in 2025, representing a 19.3 per cent year-on-year increase.
He said, “China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment, with Chinese companies operating across key sectors including infrastructure, energy, mining, manufacturing, the digital economy and green agriculture.”
The Ambassador also highlighted China’s decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to products from 53 African countries, including Ghana, describing the measure as an opportunity for African countries to expand their industrialisation and access to the Chinese market.
Stronger political and diplomatic ties
The Ambassador said the China-Ghana relationship had remained strong over the years, particularly under the leadership of President Xi Jinping and President John Dramani Mahama.
He noted that, “President Mahama’s participation in the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in China last year, where he met President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, helped chart a new direction for bilateral relations.”
“China appreciates Ghana’s support for the one-China principle, while China continues to support Ghana’s Pan-African commitments and cooperation within multilateral institutions”, he added.
Focus on development and Global South cooperation
The Ambassador said China would continue working with Ghana and other developing countries to strengthen cooperation among countries of the Global South.
“China advocates multilateralism and an international system centred on the United Nations, while promoting initiatives focused on global development, security, civilisation and governance”, he said.
He also highlighted China’s economic transformation, saying the country had become the world’s second-largest economy and largest manufacturing country, while lifting nearly 100 million rural residents out of poverty.
People-to-people exchanges
Beyond trade and diplomacy, the Ambassador pointed to expanding cultural and people-to-people exchanges between Ghana and China.
He mentioned the work of the three Confucius Institutes in Ghana, the Chinese medical team operating in the country and the Chinese Film Festival recently organised by the Chinese Embassy.
He also announced that the People’s Liberation Army Navy Hospital Ship Auspicious Ark is expected to visit Ghana in October to provide humanitarian medical services.
The Ambassador said such initiatives demonstrate the growing people-to-people dimension of China-Ghana relations.
Looking ahead
The Ambassador said the coming period presents further opportunities for cooperation, noting that 2026 marks the first year of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan, while Ghana is implementing its “Resetting Ghana” agenda and “24-Hour Economy” programme.
He also pointed to significant milestones expected in 2027, including the next FOCAC Ministerial Conference, Ghana’s 70th independence anniversary, and Ghana’s assumption of the rotating chairmanship of the African Union.
He expressed confidence that continued cooperation between the two countries would usher China-Ghana relations into “a new historical stage.”
The Ambassador concluded by reaffirming China’s readiness to work with Ghana to implement agreements reached by the two countries’ leaders and further align their development strategies.
—
By: Sammy Agyei/Frontpageghana.com/Ghana
