President John Dramani Mahama’s recent official visit to China has delivered a wave of transformative agreements and strategic partnerships, reinforcing Ghana’s global standing and unlocking new avenues for national development. The high-level diplomatic engagement with Chinese President Xi Jinping has been hailed as a landmark moment in Ghana-China relations, with tangible outcomes across infrastructure, trade, environment, and gender empowerment.
During bilateral talks in Beijing, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to sustainable development. The two governments agreed to collaborate on environmental protection, green energy transitions, and the fight against illegal mining—issues central to Ghana’s ecological and economic future.
Infrastructure development featured prominently in the discussions. China pledged support for several ambitious projects including enhancements to Ghana’s railway systems, the construction of a second gas processing plant, and backing for President Mahama’s “Big Push” agenda and 24-hour economy initiative. Notably, China also endorsed Mahama’s visionary Green City project, aimed at creating eco-friendly urban spaces.
In a significant financial boost, President Mahama secured a new grant of 200 million RMB (approximately US$27.5 million) from President Xi, earmarked for developmental projects to be determined by the Mahama administration. This follows an earlier 200 million RMB grant already committed to building a modern market in Aflao, bringing China’s total grant support to Ghana this year to 400 million RMB.
Trade relations between the two nations are set to deepen further. Mahama and Xi agreed to finalize a 0% tariff agreement by October 28, 2025, positioning Ghana as only the second African country to benefit from such preferential terms. With China already Ghana’s largest bilateral trading partner—2024 trade volumes exceeded US$11.8 billion—the agreement promises to usher in a new era of unimpeded commerce and economic integration.
As the African Union’s Champion for Gender and African Financial Institutions, President Mahama also advocated for inclusive development. He successfully lobbied for African women entrepreneurs to be prioritized under China’s US$100 million support package and capacity-building initiative targeting 50,000 women across the continent.
Rounding off the visit, China announced plans to construct a US$150 million glass float factory in Ghana’s Western Region—the first of its kind in the country. The facility is expected to boost industrial capacity, create jobs, and reduce reliance on imported glass products.
President Mahama’s diplomatic mission to China has not only strengthened bilateral ties but also delivered concrete benefits that promise to shape Ghana’s development trajectory for years to come.
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