President John Dramani Mahama says Ghana’s trade relations with China are expanding at a steady pace, with bilateral trade hitting US$11.8 billion in 2024 — a more than 7% increase over the previous year.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with the China Global Television Network (CGTN), the President said China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner, and the momentum is expected to continue as both countries deepen economic cooperation.

“11.8 billion dollars of trade between Ghana and China in 2024 — that is more than 7% annual increase,” he said.

“Actually, China is Ghana’s biggest trading partner, and trade between Ghana and China has continued to grow exponentially. The zero-tariff policy is now kicking in, and I believe it will create a conducive atmosphere for us to grow that trade even more.”

The interview comes as Ghana and China mark 65 years of diplomatic relations, a milestone both governments have described as an opportunity to explore new areas of partnership in a shifting global landscape.

President Mahama’s remarks were part of a wide-ranging conversation on CGTN’s Leaders Talk programme, hosted by Wang Guan.

The discussion revisited his recent meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and examined China’s proposed Global Governance Initiative, which seeks to strengthen cooperation with developing countries at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions.

Mahama highlighted progress toward a possible zero-tariff trade arrangement with China and praised Beijing’s long-standing support for Africa’s infrastructure development, industrialisation and vocational training. He noted that China continues to play a crucial role in Ghana’s modernisation agenda.

As Ghana pushes to move from political independence to full economic transformation, the President said deeper collaboration with China will be central to shaping the next chapter of the country’s development path.

The interview forms part of renewed engagements between Accra and Beijing as both sides look to expand trade, investment and technological cooperation in the years ahead.