By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, March 10, GNA – Trade relations between Ghana and China have reached new heights, with bilateral trade surpassing US$14.1 billion.
This represents a year-on-year growth of more than 19.3 per cent and marks a record high in economic cooperation between the two countries.
Mr Li Yang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Ghana, said the milestone reflected the growing strength of the China–Ghana Strategic Partnership and the expanding scope of economic cooperation between the two nations.
He said the steady growth in trade volumes demonstrated the increasing interdependence of the two economies and the deepening of political trust and practical collaboration across various sectors.
Mr Li made the remarks during the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival Gala held in Accra, which brought together members of the Chinese community, Ghanaian officials, diplomats and business leaders to celebrate the traditional festival and reflect on the growing relations between the two countries.
The Lantern Festival celebration in Accra formed part of activities marking the Chinese New Year and served as a platform to highlight the cultural and economic ties between China and Ghana.
The event featured colourful cultural performances by the Anhui Performing Arts Group from China, traditional music and artistic displays that reflected the rich heritage of Chinese culture.
The Lantern Festival, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolises reunion, prosperity and hope in Chinese tradition.
This year marks significant progress in the relationship between China and Africa, including the 66th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Ghana and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Africa.
The Chargé d’Affaires said China and Ghana had witnessed steady progress in bilateral relations over the past year, with increased engagement in trade, education, industrial development and cultural exchanges.
“Over the past year, China-Ghana political mutual trust has been continuously deepened, practical cooperation has been further consolidated, and people-to-people and cultural exchanges have flourished,” he said.
Mr Li noted that the deepening strategic partnership had created opportunities for new investments and stronger economic cooperation, particularly in manufacturing, infrastructure and technology.
He said Chinese enterprises operating in Ghana had expanded their operations, launching new production lines and increasing investments in sectors that supported Ghana’s industrialisation and economic transformation.
Several Chinese companies had taken root in Ghana and were contributing to job creation, skills transfer and the growth of local industries, he said.
“These developments have played an important role in supporting Ghana’s industrialisation and socio-economic development,” he added.
Mr Li highlighted initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation in education and technology, including the handover of the China-Ghana Friendship Smart Classroom project, which was designed to support digital learning and knowledge exchange between the two countries.
He commended members of the Chinese Community and enterprises in Ghana for their role in strengthening bilateral cooperation through investments, social responsibility initiatives and cultural engagement.
The Chinese Community had also supported charitable causes and development initiatives that contributed to Ghana’s social progress, he noted.
Mr Li further emphasised China’s broader commitment to strengthening cooperation with African countries through initiatives under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and high-quality Belt and Road collaboration.
He noted that China had announced plans to grant zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China beginning May 1, 2026.
The policy, he explained, would expand market access for African exports to China and create new opportunities for trade and economic development across the continent.
Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Minister for Defence, who was the Special Guest, commended the Chinese Community for its contributions to the country’s development and economic growth.
He noted that Chinese investments in sectors such as manufacturing, retail, hospitality and mining had created employment opportunities and strengthened economic cooperation between the two countries.
Mr Genfi underscored the importance of maintaining mutual respect and adherence to Ghana’s laws to sustain the strong partnership between the two nations.
He expressed optimism that the growing economic cooperation, supported by expanding trade volumes and cultural exchange, would continue to strengthen the long-standing friendship between Ghana and China.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe