Bilateral trade between Ghana and China has surged to $11 billion, with the potential to reach $15 billion, as the two nations explore deeper economic cooperation.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed the figures during high-level talks with a Chinese delegation from Nanning, reinforcing China’s position as Ghana’s top trading partner.
He stated that it would be beneficial to exchange knowledge in areas such as urban planning, fundraising, sanitation, and technology, among others, while responding to the proposal for establishing a sister-city project.
Mr. Ablakwa then encouraged the Vice Mayor, Mr. Guo Wei, to select cities in his province to pair with cities in Ghana, aiming to foster people-to-people exchanges.
He used the opportunity to reiterate the President’s determination to eradicate illicit mining, also known as galamsey, due to its disastrous impact on the environment and the well-being of the people.
The minister then urged the Vice Mayor to launch a public education campaign in Nanning to educate people about the consequences of illicit mining, stressing that while Ghana welcomes investment, it will not accept unlawful activities.
“Those who attempt illegal mining should know that the law will deal with you severely. You will not escape justice”, he stated.
On his part, the Vice Mayor of the city of Nanning, Guangxi Province in China, Mr. Guo Wei, expressed interest in collaborating with Ghana in the areas of economics, trade, agriculture, mining, urban development, culture, and people-to-people exchanges.
He revealed that his city was ready to elevate its bilateral relations with Ghana and thus proposed the establishment of sister-city relations between Chinese and Ghanaian cities to foster closer ties.
Mr. Guo Wei and his team attended the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo at the Changsha International Convention and Exhibition Center.
The meeting ended with both sides pledging to work closely to enhance their relations.
