Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama has described China as a “genuine friend of Africa,” praising President Xi Jinping’s signature global initiatives and calling for deeper cooperation as both nations mark 65 years of diplomatic relations.
In an exclusive interview during his official visit to China, Mahama said President Xi’s newly introduced Global Governance Initiative reflects “fairness and justice,” noting that its principles align with the aspirations of countries across the Global South.
“I am supportive and very excited about the initiatives that President Xi is outlining,” he said. “If you have somebody who supports you like that, naturally they are a friend and you gravitate closer together.” Mahama added that China’s consistent solidarity with developing nations sets it apart: “It understands the needs of the developing world, and China has stepped forward to assist.”
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Mahama arrived in China on October 11, 2025, leading a high-level delegation as the two nations commemorate six and a half decades of diplomatic ties. The visit included meetings with President Xi Jinping, participation in the Global Leaders Meeting on Women, and a presidential investment forum showcasing Ghanaian cocoa, nuts, coffee, and cultural products to Chinese buyers.
Reflecting on the historic relationship, Mahama noted Ghana’s early recognition of China shortly after independence and the personal rapport built by founding leaders Kwame Nkrumah, Mao Zedong, and Zhou Enlai. “Sixty-five years is an important milestone,” he said. “But the world today is very different from the world of Nkrumah, Mao, and Zhou Enlai. We need to pivot the relationship to reflect the new global order.” Mahama praised Xi’s Global Security Initiative as well, describing it as relevant at a time when countries face cyber threats, violent extremism, and economic uncertainty. “This is a time for us to partner so everyone can live securely and create prosperity for their people,” he added.
Trade between Ghana and China reached $11.8 billion in 2024, a figure Mahama expects to rise as Ghana negotiates a zero-tariff agreement offered by Beijing. “China is Ghana’s biggest trading partner,” he emphasized. “The zero-tariff policy is creating a conducive environment to grow trade even more.” He said Ghana is eager for more Chinese industries to help process Ghanaian raw materials for export to the Chinese market and noted that harmonizing China’s more than 40 product standards with Ghana’s regulatory framework is a priority.
Mahama credited China for major industrial and infrastructure developments that have strengthened Ghana’s economy over the past decade. “Under the Belt and Road Initiative and FOCAC, transformative infrastructure projects have been delivered across Africa,” he said. He highlighted the nearly $1 billion investment in the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, now providing most of the gas used for Ghana’s electricity generation, the Chinese-built Bui Dam, and the extensive rural electrification programmes that have pushed Ghana’s electricity access to nearly 90%, one of the highest rates on the continent. “Everywhere you look, you see China’s footprints, roads, bridges, stadiums, markets,” he said.
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Mahama also pointed to China’s role in skills development, noting the three Confucius Institutes in Accra, Kumasi, and Cape Coast. “Many Ghanaians are learning Chinese and returning home with valuable skills,” he said, explaining that some Chinese companies in Ghana now hire locally because of the growing pool of Mandarin-speaking talent.
He praised China’s investment in the University of Health and Allied Sciences, which is training Ghanaian doctors, paramedics, and specialists, noting that the institution “is performing very well.” The President added, with a smile, that although many Ghanaians now speak flawless Chinese, including winners of the global “Chinese Bridge” language competition, he wishes he could speak the language too.
The interview coincided with the Global Leaders Meeting on Women in Beijing, which drew participants from more than 110 countries.
