A major turning point in the long-standing economic relationship between Ghana and China was reached in 2024 when bilateral trade hit a record high of $11.84 billion.
The record trade volume also emphasizes how China is Ghana's biggest trading partner and the growing extent of cross-sector economic cooperation. Over the years, trade between the two nations has steadily increased, propelled by China's supply of electronics, textiles, machinery, and raw commodities like gold, cocoa, and oil, as well as Ghana's exports of these goods.
building supplies.
As a result of mutual investments and strategic agreements under the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), trade data for 2024 show a significant increase over prior years.
With a GDP of about 135 trillion yuan (about 18.5 trillion USD), up 5% and accounting for 28% of global growth, China continues to be the driving force behind global growth and transition.
Since our diplomatic relations were established in 1960, Ghana and China have maintained a relationship based on respect and collaboration.
Strong involvement in manufacturing, knowledge transfer, and infrastructure has historically defined Ghana-China trade relations.
Ghana's development has been greatly aided by Chinese businesses, especially in industries like mining, telecommunications, and energy.
Both countries expect significant growth in trade and investment as a result of ongoing efforts to strengthen economic cooperation, strengthening their strategic alliance.
At a lavish celebration of the 2025 Chinese Lantern Festival at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium in Accra, the trading milestone was commemorated.
The Lantern Festival
The Lantern festival event, which served as a symbol of solidarity and collaboration, brought together important dignitaries such as Chinese Ambassador Mr. Tong Defa, President John Dramani Mahama, and to Ghana, the Chinese community in Ghana, senior government officials, business executives from China and Ghana, and Mr. Samuel Okudzetu Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Among other things, the yearly event, which marks the end of the Chinese New Year, offered a forum for reiterating pledges to strengthen economic ties and look into new areas of cooperation between the two nations.
As the University of Ghana Sports Stadium was transformed into a stunning stage for Chinese cultural acts in honor of the Lantern Festival, the night was a flurry of color, rhythm, and vitality.
The sounds of traditional Chinese instruments filled the air, creating an exhilarating atmosphere. The deep, resonant beats of the Chinese war drum blended with the sharp, piercing notes of the erhu, a two-stringed bowed instrument.
The audience's participation in lighting the lanterns, a symbolic and unifying moment, intensified the atmosphere as the performances approached their climax.
The night sky was painted with a celestial radiance as thousands of lanterns in various shades of blue, gold, and red soared upward.
The crowd's clapping and cheering, their faces glowing with delight and amazement, was reflected in the flickering lights.
The Chinese Ambassador reiterates their dedication
The Chinese ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Tong Defa, emphasized the importance of the 65th anniversary of Ghana-China diplomatic ties and the two countries' unwavering friendship and trust in one another.
He credited China's dedication to Ghana's growth and years of steady collaboration with the record trade figures.
investment
He outlined the main sectors—agriculture, education, and energy—where Chinese investments have had an impact. recognizing the achievements made by Chinese companies in Ghana and promoting additional investment, especially in manufacturing, technology-driven industries, and value-added industries.
For many years, China has been Ghana's biggest investment and trading partner. The strength of our economic collaboration was demonstrated last year when our bilateral commerce hit an all-time high of $11.84 billion, according to Ambassador Tang.
He listed the many infrastructure projects, such as roads, bridges, hospitals, and educational institutions, that were made possible by Chinese collaborations as he described China's contributions to Ghana's development.
Ambassador Tong reiterated China's support for Ghana's agricultural modernization and industrialization strategy.
We look forward to strengthening our cooperation in infrastructure, technology, and people-to-people interactions as we commemorate 65 years of diplomatic relations. Our friendship is based on our common goals of social advancement and economic success," he continued.
In order to further deepen Ghana-China cultural links, the Ambassador pointed out that 2026 has been set aside as the China-Africa Year of People-to-People Exchanges.
He underlined that in order to generate fresh economic prospects, trade, investment, and innovation must be sustained.
President Mahama demands that more Chinese
investment
In his keynote speech, President John Dramani Mahama praised the robust and developing Ghana-China collaboration and emphasized its influence on Ghana's economic development.
He recognized China as an important development partner that has made major contributions to Ghana's commerce, infrastructure, and technical improvement.
"China and Ghana have made tremendous strides in investment and trade over the years, which has benefited both of our economies," President Mahama said.
He outlined the main sectors—agriculture, education, and energy—where Chinese investments have had an impact. recognizing the achievements made by Chinese companies in Ghana and promoting additional investment, especially in manufacturing, technology-driven industries, and value-added industries.
"Ghana is once again open for business, as I stated in my inauguration address. In order to ensure that both countries benefit, I encourage our Chinese partners to investigate the many prospects that are open to them," he said.
President Mahama emphasized the value of academic and cultural exchanges in addition to economic relations, pointing out that scholarships and technical training programs had significantly benefited Ghanaian students studying in China.
In order to further accelerate economic growth, he advocated for greater cooperation in innovation and digital transformation.