Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday expressed optimism that Ghana will soon benefit from Beijing’s zero-tariff trade policy for African nations, signaling a potential boost in economic ties between the two countries as part of China’s broader engagement strategy on the continent.
Xi made the remarks during bilateral talks in Beijing with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, who is visiting China to attend the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women. The high-level meeting coincided with the 65th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Ghana and China and underscored efforts by both nations to deepen political and economic cooperation.
The Chinese leader reaffirmed Beijing’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnership with Ghana, calling for the implementation of agreements reached during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). Xi emphasized the need for expanded collaboration in key sectors including mining, energy, infrastructure, agriculture, and fisheries.
“China stands ready to help Ghana transform its natural resources into drivers of long-term development,” Xi said, noting that trade facilitation and tariff-free access to Chinese markets would be part of that effort.
The zero-tariff policy, aimed at bolstering African exports to China, forms part of Beijing’s broader initiative to build what Xi described as an “all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future.”
President Mahama, who previously served as Ghana’s head of state from 2012 to 2017 and returned to office following a 2024 election win, applauded China for hosting the women’s summit and praised its leadership on global gender equality efforts.
He reaffirmed Ghana’s adherence to the One-China policy and emphasized his administration’s commitment to multilateralism and reforms in global governance, aligning Ghana’s foreign policy with China’s push for a more balanced international order.
Mr. Mahama also voiced optimism about expanding bilateral cooperation, citing Ghana’s interest in leveraging Chinese investment to drive growth in key sectors of its economy.
The meeting comes amid China’s continued push to strengthen its economic footprint across Africa, where infrastructure financing, trade, and resource development remain central to its foreign policy agenda. For Ghana, deepening ties with China could unlock much-needed capital and market access as the West African country seeks to stabilize its economy and reduce debt burdens.
Both leaders expressed confidence in the long-term prospects of the China-Ghana partnership, pledging to pursue a more dynamic and mutually beneficial relationship.
