By Jennifer Frimpong
China’s Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, has reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening its strategic partnership with Ghana through expanded trade, investment, infrastructure development and people-to-people exchanges.
Addressing a media briefing in Accra, Ambassador Tong Defa announced that China’s newly introduced zero-tariff policy for exports from African countries with diplomatic relations with China is expected to create fresh opportunities for Ghanaian products on the Chinese market and support Ghana’s industrial growth.
He said the policy, which took effect on May 1, will significantly reduce export costs for products such as cocoa, cashew, shea butter, textiles and handicrafts, making them more competitive and accessible to Chinese consumers.
Ambassador Tong described Ghana as a country with a rich cultural heritage, hospitable people and strong economic potential. He noted that relations between Ghana and China continue to deepen under the leadership of both countries, with growing political trust and expanding cooperation across various sectors.
The ambassador reiterated China’s commitment to the One-China principle and commended Ghana for its consistent support for China’s territorial integrity and reunification efforts.
On economic cooperation, he said China remains Ghana’s largest trading partner and one of its major sources of foreign investment. He added that China is ready to support Ghana’s economic transformation agenda through industrialisation, technology transfer and infrastructure development.
On mining, Ambassador Tong said the Chinese government firmly opposes illegal mining and supports Ghana’s efforts to combat the practice. He stated that Chinese companies operating in Ghana are expected to comply fully with local laws while promoting sustainable mining practices and environmental protection.
He also called on the media to promote balanced and objective reporting on China–Ghana relations and to highlight positive stories of cooperation between the two countries.
The engagement formed part of efforts by the Chinese Embassy to strengthen relations with Ghanaian stakeholders and deepen diplomatic and economic cooperation between both countries.
