Africa-Press – Ghana. President John Dramani Mahama has lauded China’s decision to grant zero-tariff access to Ghanaian and African products.
This, he said, signalled confidence in their partnership.
“It opens vast new markets for Ghanaian exporters, agro-processes, and manufacturers,” President Mahama stated in his remarks at the Presidential Business Forum in Beijing as part of his state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“And I’m happy to inform you that we reached an agreement in principle, and we have targeted the end of October to be able to sign off on the zero-tariff principle. I wish to commend the Government of China for this act of solidarity.”
President Mahama said under the Government of Ghana’s reset agenda and the 24-hour economy vision, they were rebuilding the foundations for inclusive growth, and that they do so in the firm belief that sustainable development was best achieved through strong and mutually beneficial partnerships; stating that partnerships such as the one that exists between China and Ghana.
He said Ghana and China shared a relationship that was rooted in friendship, in trust, and strategic cooperation spanning over six decades.
He said Ghana was among the first sub-Saharan African countries to establish diplomatic relations with China and that over the years, these relations had matured, grounded in mutual respect and their shared aspirations.
The President said this year, 2025, marked 65 years of diplomatic relations between Ghana and China, a milestone that celebrated not only the endurance of their relations, but the purpose.
“Today, China is Ghana’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $11.8 billion in 2024.
Between 2020 and 2024, China’s exports to Ghana rose by nearly 46 per cent, while Ghana’s exports to China increased by over 11 per cent.”
He noted that they were all aware that the multilateral rules-based trading system was being upended by unilateral slapping of tariffs in different countries.
This, he said was the time for them to solidarize and to come together, and that the initiative by China was timely.
He reiterated that through the Belt and Road Initiative and the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, Chinese collaboration had strengthened Ghana’s infrastructure in energy and industrial capacity.
President Mahama said between 2013 and 2024, Chinese investments recorded by the Investment Promotion Centre was set to total $3.9 billion, almost $4 billion, adding that it covered more than 400 projects and created thousands of jobs for Ghanaian youth.
He said the partnership had advanced industrialization, technology transfer, and skills development across multiple sectors of our economy.
President Mahama said China’s transformation over the past four decades was one of the most remarkable stories in modern history and that China succeeded in lifting the greatest number of people out of poverty in the shortest possible time recorded in the history of the world.
“This is a story of innovation, discipline, and visionary leadership. From rural reform to global industrial power, China has demonstrated what is possible when national purpose aligns with long-term planning,” he said.
President Mahama said Ghana too was at a pivotal point in its transformation; saying “We are determined to industrialize our economy, expand value-added exports, and empower our citizens through technology and enterprise”.
“Our Reset Agenda is rooted in the conviction that every Ghanaian must have a stake in our national prosperity.
And on this journey, we extend an open hand of partnership to our friends in China.
“We want to work with you as we build a future of shared progress and shared prosperity for our people.
Ghana guarantees the security of your capital and your profits.”
He said under Ghana’s Constitution and the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Act, expropriation of investments was banned.
He said investors enjoyed unrestricted repatriation of their dividends and proceeds in convertible currency of their choice.
The President said Ghana’s laws protected investment against discrimination, expropriation, and nationalization, which was consistent with international best practice.
He said Ghana was a proud member of the International Centre for Settlements of Investment Disputes and is a signatory to the New York Convention.
He said their rights were protected under transparent international arbitration mechanisms.
“We are also implementing pro-enterprise reforms to make Ghana one of the most business-friendly destinations in Africa.”
President Mahama said new Investment Promotion Authority Bill would abolish minimum capital requirements for foreign and joint venture investors and will provide a clear path for long-term investors to qualify for Ghanaian citizenship.
He said a symbol of trust and belonging; public-private partnership frameworks were being modernized to ensure faster, fairer, and more transparent approvals of applications.
For More News And Analysis About Ghana Follow Africa-Press
