Trade between Ghana and China reached a record high of $11.8 billion in 2024, reinforcing China’s position as Ghana’s largest trading partner and a key investor in critical sectors of the economy. 

The milestone was highlighted during the celebration of the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and the 65th anniversary of China–Ghana diplomatic relations in Accra.  

The event, held at the Accra International Conference Centre, was attended by Vice President Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, who represented President John Dramani Mahama, alongside Chinese Ambassador Tong Defa, diplomats, ministers of state, and members of the business community. 

Ambassador Tong Defa, in his address, said the trade volume reflected the steady growth of bilateral relations, which had matured into a Strategic Partnership in 2024.  

He noted that Chinese investments in Ghana cut across infrastructure, manufacturing, mining, aviation, green energy, and petroleum refining, creating thousands of jobs. 

“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. 

He further underscored China’s readiness to align with Ghana’s development priorities, citing 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,” he added. 

Vice President Prof. Opoku-Agyemang acknowledged the growth in trade and investment but stressed the need for such cooperation to translate into sustainable development at the local level. 

“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. 

The Vice President commended China’s role in the development of Ghana’s infrastructure, citing roads, bridges, hospitals, educational facilities, and cultural exchanges.  

She, however, emphasised the importance of aligning future projects with Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy, which focuses on job creation, modernization, connectivity, and export expansion. 

She also called for deeper collaboration in renewable energy, digital technology, and trade facilitation under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which, she said, would open new frontiers for both 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.