The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, has stated that the Chinese government has been impressed by the policies and plans of President John Dramani Mahama’s government and is prepared to serve as avid collaborators in the implementation of these innovative policies.

In a brief speech made during a courtesy call to the Minister for Lands and Natural Resources, Emmanuel Armah-Kofi Buah (MP) the Chinese Ambassador commended President John Mahama for attending the Chinese Lantern Festival Celebration and delivering a speech of epochal significance.

Ambassador Tong Defa, who described President Mahama’s speech as ‘incredible’ stated that the Chinese government, which has always been a strategic partner for Ghana is prepared to help the government’s transformation agenda.

“We have been supporting each other in a lot of areas. Bilateral trade and cooperation continues to flourish. China enjoys being the largest training partner for Ghana. China remains one of the biggest investors in Ghana. I am happy President attended our event and delivered an encouraging speech that Ghana's doors are opened to Chinese investors for business”, he said.

“We are very glad and dedicated to continuing this strong relationship. We regard Ghana as strategic partners and our interest covers all areas. We are willing and ready to align with the agenda of President Mahama,” he said.

The Lands Minister, in his address, referenced the well documented history of Ghana’s partnership with China which traces back to the era of Ghana’s first president, Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah who interestingly hails from the same district (Ellembelle) as Armah Kofi-Buah.

The Minister used the meeting to arouse the interest of the Chinese and Australia and US Ambassadors at separate meetings held at the Ministry on Thursday, 13th February 2025.

He stated that policies such as the ‘Tree for Life and ‘Blue Water’ initiative present significant opportunities for Chinese investors to tap into a new market and generate benefits.

He also outlined the government’s plan to shift Ghana from resource production to resource refinement and value addition noting that there are plans by government to revamp VALCO and that new investors are welcomed to leverage on the opportunity.

He stated that the promotion of legal and sustainable mining activities is a priority for the Ghanaian government and that the Chinese, Australian and US investors can trust the government of Ghana to create the necessary legal framework for their investment to thrive especially in the mining and forestry sub-sectors.

Mr Buah also received the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Berenice Owen-Jones, with the conversation focusing on the mining industries in both countries with emphasis on how Ghana can learn from the success story of Australia which is one of the world’s leading countries in mining.

The Lands Minister further outlined the challenges confronting the Ghanaian mining industry, seeking the support of the Australian government and the investment community in dealing with the challenge.

He also stated that, while there exist massive opportunities in the mining sector as it plays a critical role in Ghana, there is an urgent need for the government to eradicate the challenges in order not to just generate maximum revenue but also to protect the country’s forest and water resources.

The Australian High Commissioner to Ghana indicated the preparedness of Australia to provide personnel and logistical support to Ghana as the country navigates it illegal mining challenge.

She promised to engage relevant stakeholders and ensure that the government gets the required support to turn around the situations about its river bodies and forests.

The US Ambassador to Ghana, Ms. Virginia E. Palmer, also paid a courtesy call to the Minister.

She congratulated the Lands Minister on his appointment and also discussed ways of deepening bilateral cooperation between Ghana and the United States.

In his response, he admitted the importance of collaborating with the US government to improve Ghana’s forest management, especially through programmes such as women in afforestation.

He added that government through the Ministry will revive and sanitise the mining sector to boost productivity and value addition.