Ghana, China mark 65 years of ties with $11.8bn trade
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
Trade between Ghana and China soared to an unprecedented USD11.8 billion in 2024, reinforcing China’s position as Ghana’s largest trading partner and a vital investor across key sectors of the West African economy.
The milestone was announced in Accra during a dual celebration marking the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 65th anniversary of China–Ghana diplomatic relations.
The high-profile event, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, drew senior government officials, diplomats, business leaders and development partners. Ghana’s Vice- President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, representing President John Dramani Mahama, joined Chinese Ambassador Tong Defa in highlighting the deepening partnership between the two nations.
Ambassador Tong noted that the record trade volume reflects the steady and strategic growth of bilateral relations, which were formally elevated to a Strategic Partnership in 2024.
“China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment. In 2024 alone, bilateral trade reached a new high of 11.8 billion US dollars,” he said.
Expanding Investment Footprint
Ambassador Tong detailed China’s growing investments in infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, aviation, green energy and petroleum refining, which have collectively created thousands of jobs for Ghanaians.
He also pointed to the signing of a bilateral economic and technical cooperation agreement earlier this year and Beijing’s decision to grant zero-tariff treatment for 100 per cent of tariff lines to African countries, including Ghana.
“These are vivid examples of the unity and friendship between China and Ghana, which will continue to deliver practical benefits to our peoples,” the ambassador affirmed.
Ghana’s Call for Sustainable Gains
Vice President Opoku-Agyemang welcomed the surge in trade and investment but urged that such cooperation be anchored in sustainable local development.
“We know there has been steady growth in our relationship in terms of trade, and it has reached very great heights. But Ghana is determined to ensure that our trade and our relations translate into sustainable local development, with emphasis on creating opportunities for our brilliant and determined youth,” she said.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang applauded China’s contributions to roads, bridges, hospitals, educational facilities and cultural exchanges, while stressing the need to align future projects with Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy, focused on job creation, modernisation and export expansion.
The Vice-President also called for deeper collaboration in renewable energy, digital technology and trade facilitation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which she said will unlock new frontiers for Ghanaian and Chinese businesses.
“Our outlook is clear: we want to deepen our relationship with China in ways that generate jobs, foster innovation and ensure prosperity for all, especially the youth and women,” Prof Opoku-Agyemang added.
