President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama have arrived in Beijing, China, to begin a high-level state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, as Ghana and China commemorate 65 years of formal diplomatic relations.
The visit is set to feature a series of strategic engagements aimed at deepening political, economic, trade, and development cooperation between the two nations. Key agreements are expected to be signed in the coming days, signalling a new phase in the long-standing partnership.
The state visit also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Gender Summit, further highlighting China’s global role in gender equality and Ghana’s continued leadership in inclusive development.
Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to establish diplomatic relations with the People’s Republic of China in 1960, shortly after Ghana’s independence. The bond was strengthened under President Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao Zedong, laying the foundation for one of Africa’s longest-standing bilateral partnerships.
Over the decades, the relationship has advanced from political solidarity to strategic economic and infrastructural cooperation. China supported landmark projects such as the Bui Hydroelectric Dam, the National Theatre, major road networks, hospital projects, and, more recently, investments in railway development, energy, agriculture, digital infrastructure, and industrialisation.
China is now one of Ghana’s largest trading partners and a leading source of foreign direct investment. In return, Ghana plays a key diplomatic role for China in West Africa and within platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
By: Ekow Annan/newsalertgh.com
