China’s Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, on November 14 hosted a high-level press briefing in Accra, outlining China’s long-term development priorities and renewed commitments to Ghana. The event gathered journalists, think tanks, and policy experts at the ambassador’s residence.
Ambassador Tong began by outlining key outcomes from the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC), describing it as a defining moment for China’s policy direction over the next five years.
China’s Five-Year Plan, approved by the CPC Central Committee since 1953, guides national economic and social development. Evolving from state-led production goals to innovation-driven and sustainability-focused frameworks, they set priorities for technology, green growth, security, and global cooperation, forming the backbone of China’s long-term governance and modernization strategy.
Reviewing progress under the current 14th Five-Year Plan, Tong emphasised China’s resilience amid global uncertainty, noting an average annual GDP growth of 5.5%, along with breakthroughs in artificial intelligence and quantum communication. These are developments that reinforce China’s role as a global innovation hub. He added that the upcoming 15th Plan (2026–2030) will prioritize innovation-led development, expansion of the domestic market, green transformation, and deeper international cooperation.
A major focal point of the briefing was President John Mahama’s recent state visit to China, which Ambassador Tong described as a “milestone moment.” Mahama’s meetings with President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang produced renewed cooperation agreements in mining, agriculture, energy, digital economy, infrastructure, and the blue economy, where China pledged another ¥200 million RMB grant (US$30 million) to Ghana.
Ghana will additionally become one of the first beneficiaries of China’s 100% zero-tariff access for African nations with diplomatic ties to Beijing – a policy that has previously boosted exports from other African LDCs by 9%. With China’s middle-income population expected to hit 800 million, Ghanaian exports such as cocoa, cashews, shea butter, rice, and textiles stand to gain significant market leverage.
Chinese companies expressed “renewed interest” in investing in Ghana during Mahama’s recent Presidential Investment Forum in Beijing, with many pledging to expand manufacturing and job creation. Ghanaian products – including cocoa derivatives and black soap also attracted strong consumer interest at the China International Import Expo.
Sylvia Sinkari, a research fellow at ACCPA, commented on the zero-tariff initiative, saying “The zero-tariff policy is a testament to the strong bilateral relations between Ghana and China. We believe that with careful management and strategic partnerships, we can both unlock new opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.”
China affirms support to Ghana as host of the AfCFTA Secretariat, describing the zero-tariff initiative as a boost to Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy vision.
