In a significant gesture of goodwill, Chinese President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to John Dramani Mahama last Wednesday, December 11, 2024, following his election as the new president of Ghana. This marks a new chapter in the long-standing relationship between China and Ghana, a partnership rooted in mutual respect and cooperation.
A Historic Partnership
Ghana holds a special place in China’s diplomatic history as one of the first countries in sub-Saharan Africa to establish formal ties with Beijing. Over the decades, this partnership has become a cornerstone of China’s strategic African relationships. Xi Jinping highlighted the historical depth of the China-Ghana friendship, noting that it has grown and strengthened over time, particularly through practical cooperation across various sectors.
The message from President Xi acknowledged the momentum in bilateral relations, especially in recent years, which have seen the two nations collaborate on a wide range of projects—from infrastructure development to cultural exchange. This cooperative spirit has not only benefitted both countries but also contributed to enhancing China’s influence on the African continent.
A Shared Vision for the Future
Xi Jinping’s message underscored his strong commitment to further deepening the China-Ghana strategic partnership. He expressed a keen interest in working closely with President-elect John Dramani Mahama to continue advancing the traditional friendship between the two nations. Xi’s vision for the future involves bolstering political trust and expanding cooperation, particularly in economic development, infrastructure, and trade.
Xi reiterated China’s readiness to support Ghana’s ongoing efforts to boost economic growth and stability as part of his plans to strengthen bilateral ties. The two nations, Xi noted, can work together to bring tangible benefits to their people by expanding cooperation on major initiatives like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Ghana’s Economic Recovery and the Role of China
The congratulatory message was delivered through a courtesy call by the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, who met with President-elect John Dramani Mahama to convey the Chinese leader’s message.
John Dramani Mahama shared details of the meeting, stating, “Relations between our two countries have been defined over the years by cooperation, dating back to the era of our first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.”
Mahama also recognized the key role China continues to play in Ghana’s development, with projects like those financed by Sino-Hydro contributing to critical infrastructure across the country.
However, John Dramani Mahama acknowledged Ghana’s current challenges, notably the debt default which has affected the nation’s credit rating. Despite these hurdles, he remains optimistic about Ghana’s economic recovery. Mahama emphasized that stabilizing the currency and reducing inflation are priorities for his administration. In this context, he sees even greater potential for deepening economic cooperation with China, particularly through engagement with the FOCAC framework and the Belt and Road Initiative.
Mahama further elaborated on the importance of technical cooperation between Ghana and China, stressing that these initiatives could help accelerate economic growth and development in the country. His administration will seek to build on the foundation laid by previous governments and foster closer ties with China going forward.
Future Prospects
As Ghana enters this new phase of leadership under President-elect Mahama, the nation is poised to continue its close partnership with China. With both nations committed to enhancing their cooperation, there is much to look forward to in terms of trade, infrastructure projects, and broader economic growth. The historical ties between China and Ghana provide a solid foundation for this next chapter, and with President Mahama at the helm, the future of the China-Ghana relationship looks promising.
The coming years will likely see further collaborations that could elevate Ghana’s position as a key player in Africa while strengthening China’s strategic footprint in the region. As Xi Jinping emphasized, the goal is clear: to build a deeper, more solid partnership that brings tangible benefits to both peoples.
As the new administration begins its work, Ghana’s relationship with China stands as a model of how cooperation and shared goals can lead to lasting success.
I’m a Master’s Student at Renmin University Of China, studying Contemporary Chinese Studies. I am an alumnus of the University of Ghana, where I was a former executive of the Chinese Students Association Ghana. My interest in the Chinese language drives my passion for studying in China, its rise to global power, and how it relates to the international world, especially African Countries.
