President John Dramani Mahama returned to Ghana after a five-day state visit to China, undertaken at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping. The visit marked a significant milestone in Ghana-China relations, with both countries agreeing to cooperate in promoting sustainable environmental practices and investing in green transitions.
During the visit, President Mahama held bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping and China’s Premier, Li Qiang, discussing areas of mutual cooperation. He also participated in the Presidential Business Forum in Beijing, highlighting Ghana’s commitment to transparency, innovation, and mutually beneficial partnerships.
A Renewed Phase in Ghana–China Relations
This historic engagement symbolised a renewed phase in bilateral cooperation rooted in shared progress, industrial advancement, and sustainable development.
The carefully curated itinerary, included participation in the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, an official meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, and the Ghana Investment Forum in Beijing held on the 13th to14th October, 2025.
Each engagement reinforced Ghana’s commitment to international partnership and China’s growing importance as a key ally in Africa’s transformation agenda.
Championing Gender Equality
Championing Gender Equality, President Mahama, along with the First Lady and Minister of Gender, Children and Social Protection, Hon. Cynthia Morrison, reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to gender equality at the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women’s. President Mahama highlighted Ghana’s progress in promoting women, including the election of the nation’s first female Vice President and achieving gender parity in school enrollment.
He emphasised that women’s empowerment is both a social justice and economic imperative, stating with continued support, women will not only break the glass ceiling, but will lead the nation toward its next phase of growth. The President announced plans to establish a Women’s Development Bank, aligning with the African Union’s Decade of African Women’s Financial and Economic Inclusion (2020–2030), to provide women with access to financial services and support.
Agriculture: The Engine of Economic Renewal
A key aspect of President Mahama’s economic diplomacy involves modernising Ghana’s agricultural sector. Ghana seeks to replicate China’s impressive achievements in food security and mechanised farming, positioning agriculture as a key driver of national prosperity. Leveraging its vast arable land and favorable climate, Ghana has untapped potential to attain self-sufficiency in food production and potentially become a net exporter. By inviting foreign and domestic investment in agro-industrial projects encompassing crop farming, aquaculture, and livestock production, President Mahama highlights agriculture’s dual role as an economic and social stabiliser. Ghanaian farmers can adopt China’s model of large-scale productivity through mechanization, innovation, and value-chain integration, reducing reliance on imported food and cushioning the impact of external economic shocks.
Advancing Economic Diplomacy and Industrial Transformation
At the heart of President Mahama’s visit was a comprehensive economic agenda built around seven policy pillars: *Economic revitalisation and stimulus *Agricultural modernisation through mechanization *Job creation and employment accessibility *Promotion of trade and international commerce *Advancement of green energy *Industrialisation and technological innovation *Infrastructure transformation — summarised in the NDC’s 2024 manifesto as “The Big Push.”
President Mahama’s Vision for Industrialization and Green Growth
The President’s visit to China showcased his commitment to industrialisation and technological cooperation. He met with his Chinese counterparts to discuss collaborations in renewable energy, telecommunications, and manufacturing, aiming to build Ghana’s domestic capabilities and transition to a knowledge-based economy.
The President emphasised the importance of sustainable development, stating that economic progress and ecological responsibility must go hand in hand. Ghana aims to emerge as a regional leader in renewable energy adoption, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and ensuring long-term sustainability.
President Mahama’s vision is to drive Ghana’s economic development while protecting the environment for future generations through industrialization, green growth, and international cooperation.
Outcome and Expectation
President Mahama’s visit to Fujian, China, spotlighted strategic industrial partnerships with NetDragon Websoft Inc., Ghana Sentuo Group, and Fujian Jinlun Fibre Shareholding Company Ltd.
President John Dramani Mahama concluded his China tour with a high-level industrial engagement in Fujian Province. He visited NetDragon Websoft Inc., a global leader in educational technology, to explore digital learning collaborations for Ghana’s youth.
Discussions focused on deploying AI-powered platforms and gamified learning tools to support Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy agenda. At Ghana Sentuo Group, Mahama met executives to review expansion plans for petrochemical and industrial manufacturing in Tema.
The company pledged increased investment in Ghana’s downstream oil sector and job creation for local communities.
President Mahama also toured Fujian Jinlun Fibre Shareholding Company Ltd., a major player in textile and fibre innovation. Talks centred on establishing a Ghana-based fibre processing plant to boost agro-industrial value chains. The visit reinforced Ghana’s commitment to industrial
transformation through Sino-Ghana partnerships. President Mahama emphasised technology transfer, youth employment, and sustainable manufacturing as key outcomes.
These engagements mark a new phase of bilateral cooperation, aligning with Ghana’s development priorities.
It is worth noting that, Ghana’s Ambassador to China, His Excellency Kojo Bonsu assuming office in less than a month, played a central role in orchestrating one of the most successful and strategically important state visits in recent Ghanaian diplomacy. Working closely with his diplomatic team at the Ghanaian Embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Bonsu ensured flawless coordination of every high-level engagement, from bilateral meetings with the Chinese leadership to trade and investment forums.
Under Ambassador Bonsu’s guidance, the Embassy became the nerve centre of all logistical, technical, and policy coordination throughout the five-day visit, demonstrating the power of strategic diplomacy in advancing national goals.
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Compiled By: Moses Sackie -Information Officer, Ghana Embassy, People’s Republic of China.
