President John Dramani Mahama has praised China’s remarkable economic transformation, calling it an inspiring model from which nations like Ghana can draw lessons. Speaking at the Presidential Investment Forum in Beijing, he singled out China’s ability to lift millions out of poverty in a relatively short span as the outcome of strong leadership, strategic vision, discipline, and innovation. “Ghana too stands at a pivotal point in our transformation… on this journey, we extend our open hand of partnership with our friends in China,” he declared.
Mahama’s remarks came amidst broader announcements confirming that China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade hitting US$11.8 billion in 2024. Exports from China to Ghana surged almost 46% between 2020 and 2024, while Ghana’s exports to China increased by over 11%. The President also welcomed China’s zero-tariff pledge for many African products, noting that such policies not only boost competitiveness but also deepen trust in the bilateral relationship.
Throughout the forum, Ghanaian officials emphasized the need for partnerships that go beyond financial inflows toward technological transfer, value addition, and locally driven innovation. Ghana and China already collaborate in sectors like infrastructure, energy, agriculture, manufacturing and mining. Notable China-funded projects include the Sunon Asogli Power Plant, which in 2024 generated over 2.6 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity, helping reduce energy scarcity in both industrial and residential areas. The Namdini Gold Mine, operated with Chinese investment and commissioned in late 2024, has contributed to economic activity in Ghana’s northern regions.
Another example of expanded cooperation is the agreement between Ghana and China’s Hunan Province, formalized at the Fourth China-Africa Economic & Trade Expo. The deal aims to deepen ties in agribusiness, mineral processing, smart industrialization, and technical exchange.
President Mahama described Ghana’s present moment as critical, one where the foundational work has been laid, and now urgent action is needed to accelerate transformation, build resilience, and ensure that growth reaches all segments of society. He urged Ghanaian stakeholders and Chinese investors alike to push forward in ways that prioritize local capacity, sustainable infrastructure, and inclusive employment.
Looking ahead, Ghana’s diplomacy appears to be focused on scaling up such partnerships, particularly under frameworks like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and bilateral trade agreements. The zero-tariff initiative and recent trade figures signal that both Ghana and China are ready to deepen economic integration while ensuring mutual benefits.
