Ghana, China to sign zero-tariff agreement
Ghana and China are set to sign a zero-tariff agreement by the end of this month, President John Dramani Mahama, has said.
Speaking at a Presidential Investment Forum in Beijing, China, yesterday, President Mahama said that both nations had reached an agreement towards achieving that course.
In 2024, China's exports to Ghana rose to 46 per cent, while that of Ghana to China increased to more than 11 per cent.
The President said China's decision to grant zero-tariff access to Ghanaian and African products was indicative of the confidence in “our partnership”.
He said such initiatives would open a new, vast market for Ghanaian exporters, agro-processors and manufacturers.
"We have reached an agreement in principle, and we have targeted the end of October to sign onto the zero-tariff principle," President Mahama said, and commended China for the act of solidarity.
The zero-tariff policy is expected to cover all 53 African countries.
China would also maintain diplomatic ties to boost Africa's economy and offer the continent a benchmark to seek equal or better terms from other trading partners.
Green city project
President Mahama further explained the government's Green Digital City project initiative, which he said formed part of Ghana’s transformation agenda.
The project would establish a new green city that would transcend three regions - Greater Accra, Volta and Eastern.
He said an inter-ministerial committee would be set up to look into the design and feasibility of the new city.
Additionally, a transactional advisor would be appointed to lead the process, including conducting studies ahead of the establishment of the project.
"This will be a green digital city and will display cutting-edge technology in urban design planning and innovation," the President said.
The project is estimated to be completed in phases within 20 years, with the first phase to begin before 2029.
Fixing challenges
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said that since assuming power, the President has worked hard to fix many of the challenges he inherited.
"He is fixing the economy, health care and education. Only a few days ago, he also fixed our football. Ghana has qualified to take part in the World Cup next year," the minister added.
Delegation
President Mahama’s delegation included the Ministers of Trade and Agribusiness, Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare; Roads and Highways, Governs Kwame Agbodza; the Majority Leader, Mahama Ayariga, and the Deputy Minister of Finance, Thomas Ampem Nyarko.
Others are the Executive Secretary to the President, Dr Callistus Mahama; Presidential Advisor and Special Aide, Joyce Bawah Mogtari; Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Xoese Dogbe; the Deputy Minister, Government Communications, Shamima Muslim, and the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Simon Madjie, among others.
