By James Amoh Junior
Accra, March 10, GNA – Mr Ernest Brogya Genfi, the Deputy Minister of Defence, has commended the Chinese Community in Ghana for its significant contributions to the country’s economic growth, cultural exchange and strengthening of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.
He said the community had enriched the Ghanaian society not only economically but also culturally, creating opportunities for mutual learning and building bridges of understanding between the two peoples.
Mr Genfi made the remarks during a celebration of the Chinese New Year and Lantern Festival Gala in Accra, attended by members of the Chinese community, Ghanaian officials, diplomats and business leaders.
The Lantern Festival, which marks the final day of the Chinese New Year celebrations, symbolises reunion, prosperity and hope in Chinese culture.
The event featured cultural performances, traditional music and artistic displays by visiting performers, including members of the Anhui Performing Arts Group from China, creating a colourful atmosphere of celebration and cultural exchange.
This year also marks significant milestones in China-Africa relations, including the 66th anniversary of diplomatic ties between China and Ghana and the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and Africa.
Mr Genfi said: “Ghana remains a friendly, safe and welcoming country where diversity is celebrated, and partnerships are nurtured.”
“As we step into this new year, let us continue to strengthen the ties between Ghana and China, guided by respect, cooperation and a shared vision for prosperity. Together, we can build a future that honours both our traditions and aspirations.”
He described the Chinese New Year as a season of hope and renewal and extended warm greetings to the Chinese Community.
Mr Genfi commended Chinese investors and entrepreneurs for their growing role in Ghana’s economy, noting that investments in manufacturing, retail, hospitality,
mining and other sectors had created thousands of jobs and enhanced trade relations.
“Your investment in manufacturing industries, retail through modern Chinese malls, the hospitality industry and mining have created many jobs, boosted trade and strengthened the bond of cooperation between our two peoples,” he said.
“These enterprises stand as a testament to the spirit of partnership and shared progress.”
The Deputy Defence Minister, however, urged businesses operating in Ghana to respect Ghana’s laws and regulations, stressing that compliance with local rules was essential to sustaining trust and long-term cooperation.
“At the same time, I must encourage all of you who do business in Ghana to respect our laws and regulations as that is the foundation for sustaining our cooperation and mutual trust,” he added.
Ghana and China had built a strong relationship in defence and security cooperation over the years, including military training programmes, scholarships and personnel exchanges aimed at strengthening capacity and deepening mutual understanding.
“These engagements have helped to build strong professional relationships and contributed to the development of our defence institutions,” he noted.
Mr Li Yang, Chargé d’Affaires of the Chinese Embassy, highlighted the steady growth in relations between the two countries and the broader cooperation between China and Africa.
He said China’s economy continued to expand and remained a major contributor to global growth, while the country was committed to strengthening partnerships with African nations through trade, infrastructure development and cultural exchanges.
Mr Li noted that bilateral trade between China and Ghana had reached record levels, reflecting the growing economic ties between the two countries.
China-Ghana political trust had deepened over the past year, while practical cooperation in sectors such as education, industrial development and cultural exchange had expanded significantly, he said.
Mr Li highlighted initiatives such as the China-Ghana Friendship Smart Classroom project and the expansion of Chinese enterprises as examples of the
strengthening partnership, with many contributing to Ghana’s industrialisation and socio-economic development.
He praised members of the Chinese Community for promoting cooperation, supporting charitable causes and fostering people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
The Chargé d’Affaires also pointed to China’s broader engagement with Africa through initiatives under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the high-quality Belt and Road Cooperation aimed at supporting Africa’s modernisation.
He noted that China had announced plans to extend zero-tariff treatment to 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China starting May 1, 2026, a move expected to boost African exports and deepen economic partnerships.
GNA
Edited by Agnes Boye-Doe