Ghana to Open New Trade Office in China in 2026
By Praisebell Rosemond Larbi
The Government of Ghana has announced plans to open a new trade office in China in 2026 as part of broader efforts to deepen bilateral trade relations, expand exports and attract increased investment from one of the country’s most significant trading partners.
The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, disclosed this during a farewell visit by the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Tong Defa. She said the new trade office will be located in Nanjing, a major commercial and industrial hub, and is expected to serve as a strategic platform for promoting Ghana–China trade and investment cooperation.
According to the minister, the establishment of the office forms part of government’s export-led growth strategy, aimed at strengthening Ghana’s presence in key global markets while supporting local businesses to access new opportunities.
“The opening of the trade office in China will enhance our engagement with Chinese businesses and investors, and also provide a dedicated platform to promote Ghanaian products and investment opportunities,” Mrs Ofosu-Adjare said.
She noted that the move comes at a time when Ghana is seeking to expand exports and strengthen economic cooperation with China, including through improved tariff and currency arrangements. In this regard, the minister revealed that Ghana is ready to sign a Zero-Tariff Agreement with China; a step she said could significantly reduce trade barriers and improve market access for Ghanaian goods.
Mrs Ofosu-Adjare further disclosed that Ghana and China have already begun trading in their local currencies, describing the development as a positive step towards reducing pressure on foreign exchange demand and supporting the stability of the cedi.
“If we are able to trade in our own currencies, Ghana’s currency will be strengthened, because the bulk of our trading goes to China, adding that such arrangements could also lower transaction costs and enhance trade efficiency,” she said.
The trade minister praised Ambassador Tong for his close engagement with the Ministry of Trade and his efforts to attract Chinese investment into Ghana during his tenure. She expressed optimism that the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries would continue to grow even after his departure.
For his part, Ambassador Tong Defa said Chinese investor interest in Ghana remains robust, citing Ghana’s stable political environment and improving business climate. He predicted that Ghana’s exports to China would increase in the coming years, particularly under the current administration.
“I am happy that Chinese businesses are doing very well under President Mahama, adding that China sees Ghana as a key partner in West Africa,” Mr Tong said.
China remains one of Ghana’s largest sources of imports and a growing destination for exports, especially commodities and agricultural products. The planned trade office in Nanjing is expected to support Ghanaian exporters seeking entry into the Chinese market, facilitate trade negotiations, and help attract new investment flows into Ghana’s economy.
