The Chinese community in Ghana has reaffirmed its commitment to deepening cooperation with Ghanaian partners as part of broader efforts to strengthen Ghana–China relations.
The pledge was made during an end-of-year press engagement organised by the Ghana–China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA) on December 10 at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra. The event brought together diplomats, business leaders and members of the Chinese and Ghanaian communities.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, attended the soiree and briefed participants on key developments shaping bilateral ties. These included outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, President John Dramani Mahama’s recent visit to China, and China’s decision to extend zero-tariff treatment to Ghana.
Ambassador Tong also expressed China’s support for GHACHIFA’s plans to jointly celebrate the 2026 “China–Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.”
Bilateral Trade Continues to Grow
Expressing optimism about the future of Ghana–China relations, Ambassador Tong said bilateral ties would continue to flourish under the current leadership. He commended GHACHIFA for its sustained efforts in promoting friendship and strengthening people-to-people relations between both countries.
Figures shared at the briefing showed that bilateral trade between Ghana and China reached $11.8 billion in 2024, representing a 7.1 per cent year-on-year increase. China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner and a leading source of foreign direct investment.
The Ambassador reiterated China’s commitment to high-standard opening-up, expanded sectoral exchanges with African countries, and the creation of new avenues for mutually beneficial cooperation. He added that the Chinese Embassy would work closely with GHACHIFA in 2026 to further deepen friendly exchanges.
Opportunities from Zero-Tariff Policy
Former Ghanaian Ambassador to China and GHACHIFA Co-Chairman, Anani Demuyakor, urged Ghanaians—especially agribusiness players—to take full advantage of China’s zero-tariff policy.
The initiative grants duty-free access to Chinese markets for all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China, covering 98 per cent of taxable products.
According to him, the policy presents major opportunities for Ghana’s agricultural sector, particularly in diversifying exports, expanding value-added production, and increasing market access.
Humanitarian and Development Contributions
Deputy Chairman of GHACHIFA, Tang Hong, described Ghana as a second home for the Chinese community and highlighted several humanitarian and development initiatives undertaken in recent years.
He disclosed that the community raised over one million cedis to support displaced persons during conflicts, providing food, water, medicine and other essential supplies. These efforts included assistance to more than 50,000 displaced persons affected by the Gbenyiri conflict in the Savannah Region.
Tang also cited initiatives such as the Minimally Invasive Surgery in Ghana programme and the Seeing the Beautiful World charity project at Lekma Hospital, alongside support for Ghana’s gun amnesty efforts. He stressed that contributing to Ghana’s development is an integral part of the Chinese community’s presence in the country.
Looking Ahead to 2026
GHACHIFA announced plans to intensify activities in 2026, focusing on cultural and educational exchanges, business and investment dialogues, and support for youth- and women-led initiatives. These programmes aim to sustain and celebrate the enduring spirit of Africa–China friendship.
The briefing also highlighted rising demand for African products in China, with coffee imports increasing by 70.4 per cent and cocoa bean imports rising by 56.8 per cent in early 2025. Participants noted that Ghana’s agricultural sector stands to gain significantly from the tariff-free arrangement.
Currently, thousands of Chinese enterprises operate in Ghana across manufacturing, energy, agriculture and service sectors, contributing to job creation and supporting Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.
A Longstanding Partnership
Ghana and China established diplomatic relations in 1960, followed by the signing of a friendship treaty in 1961, laying the foundation for cooperation across political, economic, social and cultural spheres.
Founded in 2000 by former Ambassador Kojo Amoo Gottfried, GHACHIFA continues to serve as a vital bridge between governments, businesses and civil society in both countries, promoting dialogue, cultural understanding and practical cooperation.
