Ghana and China Strengthen Ties to Tackle New Development Challenges – Vice President

Strengthening Ties: Ghana and China's Longstanding Partnership

Ghana’s Vice President, Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang, has highlighted the significant contributions of China to the country’s socio-economic growth. She emphasized the importance of deepening collaboration in emerging areas such as energy, renewable power, digital technology, and trade facilitation to tackle current development challenges.

During the 65th Anniversary of China-Ghana Diplomatic Relations in Accra, the Vice President underscored the need to maintain the foundational principles that have sustained the relationship between the two nations for decades. This event also coincided with the 76th Anniversary of the Founding of the People’s Republic of China, offering attendees a rich cultural experience through performances by the Anhui Performance and Arts Group, supported by the Confucius Institute at the University of Ghana, Legon.

Ghana and China established diplomatic relations on July 5, 1960, making Ghana one of the first African countries to recognize the People’s Republic of China. This partnership was significantly influenced by leaders like Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who supported China’s entry into the United Nations and maintained strong ties during the Cold War era.

Despite a period of strained relations following the 1966 coup that ousted Nkrumah, diplomatic ties were restored in 1972. Since then, the two nations have worked closely at both governmental and people-to-people levels, exchanging ideas and expertise to advance global development.

Practical cooperation has been consistently strengthened, particularly in agriculture, health, science and technology, education, and cultural exchanges. Currently, China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment, with bilateral trade reaching an impressive $11.8 billion in 2024, according to Chinese authorities.

The Vice President expressed readiness to ensure that trade relations translate into sustainable local development. To this end, the government has increased efforts to build local capacity and enhance Ghanaian investments in China.

She extended congratulations to China on its 76th Anniversary as a republic, acknowledging the perseverance and determination of the Chinese people in achieving national success.

Mr. Tong Defa, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, noted that hundreds of Chinese enterprises have invested in Ghana, spanning sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, aviation, green energy, and petroleum refining. These investments have created tens of thousands of jobs, improving the lives of many Ghanaians.

The Ambassador highlighted China’s appreciation for Ghana’s steadfast support on core interests, including the one-China principle. He also emphasized China’s support for Ghana’s adherence to the Pan-African tradition, reinforcing the need for continued exchange of development ideas between the two nations.

In September 2024, bilateral relations were elevated to a Strategic Partnership, marking a new phase for further development. The Ambassador pointed out that people-to-people exchanges have deepened the roots of bilateral friendship.

Chinese universities have partnered with their Ghanaian counterparts to establish three Confucius Institutes, enabling over ten thousand Ghanaian students to study the Chinese language. Additionally, the 14th Chinese Medical Team is providing healthcare services and introducing Chinese medical practices, which have gained widespread popularity among Ghanaians.

This enduring partnership continues to foster mutual understanding and cooperation, laying a solid foundation for future collaboration between Ghana and China.