The Chinese community in Ghana has pledged to strengthen cooperation with Ghanaian partners as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations between the two countries.

The commitment was made at a press engagement organised by the Ghana–China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA) on December 10 at the Tang Palace Hotel in Accra.

H.E. Tong Defa, Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, attended the end-of-year press soiree of the Ghana-China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA). Amb. Tong briefed the outcomes of the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, President Mahama’s visit to China, zero-tariff treatment to Ghana among others, and expressed support for GHACHIFA to jointly celebrate the 2026 “China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges”.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, expressed optimism about the future of Ghana–China relations, saying bilateral ties would continue to flourish under the current leadership. He commended GHACHIFA for its role in promoting friendship and people-to-people relations between the two nations.

According to figures shared at the briefing, bilateral trade between Ghana and China reached $11.8 billion in 2024, representing a 7.1 per cent year-on-year growth, with China maintaining its position as Ghana’s largest trading partner and a major source of foreign investment.

Ambassador Tong also reiterated China’s commitment to promoting high-standard opening-up, strengthening exchanges across key sectors with African countries, and creating new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation. He noted that the Chinese Embassy plans to work closely with GHACHIFA in 2026 to further deepen friendly exchanges and strengthen people-to-people relations.

Former Ghanaian Ambassador to China and GHACHIFA Co-Chairman, Anani Demuyakor, encouraged Ghanaians to take advantage of China’s zero-tariff policy to expand agricultural exports. The policy grants duty-free access to Chinese markets for all 53 African countries with diplomatic relations with China, covering 98 per cent of taxable products.

He noted that the initiative presents significant opportunities for Ghana’s agricultural sector, particularly in diversifying exports and expanding value-added production.

Deputy Chairman of GHACHIFA, Tang Hong, described Ghana as a second home for the Chinese community and outlined several humanitarian and development initiatives undertaken in recent years.

According to him, the Chinese community raised over one million cedis to support displaced persons during conflicts, providing food, drinking water, medicine and other essential supplies. These efforts included relief support for more than 50,000 displaced persons during the Gbenyiri conflict in the Savannah Region.

Tang also highlighted other interventions such as the Minimally Invasive Surgery in Ghana and Seeing the Beautiful World charity programme at Lekma Hospital, as well as support for Ghana’s gun amnesty initiatives. He said the Chinese community considers its contribution to Ghana’s development an integral part of its presence in the country.

Looking ahead, the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies 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 are expected to celebrate and sustain the spirit of Africa–China friendship.

The briefing also highlighted the growing demand for African products in Chinese markets, with imports of coffee increasing by 70.4 per cent and cocoa beans by 56.8 per cent in early 2025. Ghana’s agricultural sector, participants noted, has significant untapped potential to benefit from the tariff-free arrangement.

Thousands of Chinese enterprises currently operate in Ghana across manufacturing, energy, agriculture and service sectors, contributing to job creation and supporting Ghana’s industrialisation drive.

Ghana and China established diplomatic relations in 1960, with a friendship treaty signed in 1961, laying the foundation for cooperation across political, economic, social and cultural spheres.

GHACHIFA, founded in 2000 by former Ambassador Kojo Amoo Gottfried, continues to promote dialogue, cultural understanding and practical cooperation, serving as a bridge between governments, businesses and civil society in both countries.