Vice President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang has called for a renewed phase of Ghana–China relations that prioritizes opportunities for young people and lays the foundation for sustainable economic growth.
Speaking at a ceremony in Accra to mark the 76th National Day of the People’s Republic of China and 65 years of Ghana–China diplomatic relations, the Vice President praised China’s role in Ghana’s development, pointing to support in roads, hospitals, schools and other infrastructure projects.
She emphasized that Ghana’s flagship 24-Hour Economy initiative is central to creating jobs and boosting productivity, particularly among the youth and encouraged Ghana and China to expand cooperation in renewable energy, technology and trade within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“Our partnership must look beyond the present and invest in the creativity, skills, and resilience of our young people,” she noted, urging Ghanaian businesses to seize opportunities in the Chinese market.
The historic ties between the two countries date back to July 5, 1960, when Ghana became the first Sub-Saharan African state to establish diplomatic relations with China under President Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao Zedong.
Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, HE. Tong Defa, pledged China’s continued support, stressing that cooperation must translate into real benefits for ordinary citizens. He praised Chinese companies in Ghana but also urged them to respect local laws and contribute more actively through corporate social responsibility.
Both Ghana and China agreed that the next stage of their relationship should build on past gains while advancing youth empowerment, innovation and sustainable development.
Story: Nancy Obimpeh
