Ghana committed to expanding relations with China — Vice-President
The Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, has reiterated the country’s commitment to expanding trade, investment, and people-to-people relations with China.
She emphasised the need to continually review and strengthen mutually beneficial partnerships, particularly in an evolving global economic landscape.
Prof. Opoku-Agyemang made these remarks when the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, paid a courtesy visit to her office at the Jubilee House.
The visit was to bid her farewell at the end of his diplomatic tenure, which began on August 4, 2024.
Appreciation
Vice-President Prof. Opoku-Agyemang thanked the ambassador for his dedicated service and contributions to strengthening Ghana-China relations.
She particularly commended him for his role in advancing the zero-tariff agreement and facilitating Chinese government grants for the construction of the Aflao Market and the Catholic Science and Technology University in Damongo.
While wishing him safe travels and thanking him for his dedicated service, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang also encouraged the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to continue fostering goodwill towards Ghana in his future assignments.
She expressed appreciation for the warm reception accorded President John Dramani Mahama during his recent visit to China, where both countries agreed on a new blueprint for future engagements.
The Vice-President expressed confidence that the incoming Chinese Ambassador would continue to build on the strong cooperation between the two nations.
Bilateral trade
Mr Tong, the 17th Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, said that bilateral trade between the two countries had reached an unprecedented $15 billion, reflecting the growing economic engagement.
He also highlighted key initiatives undertaken during his tenure, including support for infrastructure and education projects.
He said he was grateful for the cordial relations that enabled him to fulfil his responsibilities.
He stated that China-Ghana relations had a long history of cooperation and a sound momentum of development in recent years, and he was happy that the relationship had further been strengthened.
Farewells
In a related development, Mr Tong, last Tuesday, also paid a farewell courtesy call on the Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, as he wraps up his diplomatic assignment in the country.
The meeting, held at the Minister’s office in Accra, highlighted the robust and longstanding bilateral relationship between Ghana and China, with both sides reflecting on the Ambassador’s contributions to enhancing cooperation in key areas, including security, economic ties, infrastructure, and cultural exchanges.
Mr Muntaka praised the Ambassador for his dedicated efforts in advancing Ghana-China friendship and collaboration.
He reaffirmed the deep-rooted, cordial ties between the two nations and extended best wishes to the Ambassador for his future endeavours.
For his part, Mr Tong expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality and strong support provided to him and his team during his tenure.
He emphasised that Ghana remained one of China’s important partners in Africa, with bilateral trade continuing to flourish and relations reaching new heights, particularly following high-level engagements, including President Mahama’s state visit to China in 2025.
