Accra: Ghana and China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties, marking the 25th Anniversary of the Ghana-China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA) and 65 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
According to Ghana News Agency, the commemorative event, held on Tuesday in Accra, was themed 'Strengthening Ties and Inspiring Futures: 25 Years of Friendship, 65 Years of Partnership.' Mr. Tong Defa, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, emphasized the historical and respectful foundation of the China-Ghana friendship. He highlighted Ghana as one of the first African nations to establish diplomatic relations with China, referencing President Nkrumah's forward-facing vision.
Ambassador Tong recounted historical milestones, including a significant visit by Chinese Premier Zhou Enlai in 1964, which underscored the steadfast commitment between the two nations despite tense conditions. He noted the elevation of relations to a strategic partnership in September 2024, leading to enhanced coordination at the multilateral level and increased trade and investment. Bilateral trade reached an all-time high of US$11.8 billion in 2024, marking a 7.1 percent year-on-year increase.
The ambassador also discussed the impact of people-to-people ties, including the role of Confucius Institutes in Ghana, Chinese medical teams, and educational exchanges that have facilitated the study of the Chinese language by over 10,000 Ghanaian students. He announced China's provision of 200 million RMB in non-reimbursable assistance to Ghana under a new cooperation agreement.
Mr. Augustus Goosie Tanoh, Presidential Adviser on the 24-hour Economy, praised GHACHIFA's role in strengthening bilateral ties and underscored Ghana's economic modernization ambitions. He invited Chinese investors to participate in transformative projects like the Volta Economic Corridor, aimed at positioning Ghana as a hub for food production and logistics. He highlighted Ghana's potential as a gateway to West Africa's 420 million-strong market and the capacity of Chinese firms to execute large infrastructure projects.
Mr. Anani Demuyakor, Chairman of GHACHIFA, traced the Ghana-China friendship back to a personal connection between Kwame Nkrumah and Zhou Enlai at the Bandung Conference. He emphasized the association's foundation on trust and longevity and urged Ghanaians to focus on mutual gains rather than isolated negative actions by a few individuals. Mr. Demuyakor called on media and security agencies to strengthen bilateral understanding and learn valuable lessons from China's development.
Messages of solidarity and congratulations were received from various institutions, highlighting the importance of cooperation, mutual benefit, and shared development. The event featured cultural exchanges and symbolic gestures, reinforcing the commitment to uphold these values.
