From the energy corridors of Kpone to the digital networks linking rural communities, the Ghana–China economic partnership has become a defining force in Ghana’s development trajectory. This collaboration has not only delivered infrastructure and industrial capacity but also sparked debates about sustainability, equity, and long-term national interest. As Ghana intensifies its industrialisation agenda, the evolving partnership with China offers both a blueprint and an exploratory tale.
Powering Progress: Sunon Asogli and the Energy Imperative
At the heart of Ghana’s energy transformation is Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Ltd, a combined cycle natural gas plant located in Kpone near Tema. Jointly owned by Shenzhen Energy Group (60%) and the China Africa Development Fund (40%) as at 2010. the plant has supplied approximately 560 megawatts, nearly 20% of Ghana’s electricity, since its commissioning .
Beyond megawatts, Sunon Asogli has become a platform for technical skills transfer, local employment, and community investment, including a US$4 million road project that improved access for Kpone residents. This model anchored in Chinese capital and Ghanaian regulatory oversight, demonstrates the potential of hybrid partnerships to deliver both infrastructure and developmental dividends.
The Bui Dam: Infrastructure Gains, Social Trade-offs
The Bui Hydropower Project, constructed by Sinohydro Corporation and financed by the China Exim Bank and the Government of Ghana, stands as a landmark in Ghana–China infrastructure cooperation. The 400 MW facility has expanded national power supply, particularly benefiting underserved northern regions.
During construction, the project employed nearly 6,000 Ghanaian workers, showcasing a strong local labour footprint.
Industrialisation in Motion: Sunda Group and Manufacturing Expansion
In the manufacturing sector, Sunda Group, a Chinese firm producing fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), exemplifies the shift from aid to trade. With support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2023, Sunda expanded its Ghana operations, including a new detergent plant in Accra and scaled-up production of diapers and hygiene products.
By hiring locally and producing domestically, Sunda contributes to import substitution, job creation, and Ghana’s ambition to become a regional export hub. This signals a broader trend. Chinese firms are no longer just building infrastructure, they are embedding themselves in Ghana’s industrial fabric.
Digital Futures: Huawei and Ghana’s ICT Backbone
China’s role in Ghana’s digital transformation is equally significant. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. has become a cornerstone of Ghana’s ICT infrastructure, supplying telecom equipment, network solutions, and training programmes that are helping to bridge the digital divide.
A Decade of Deepening Ties
At the 2025 Ghana–China Business Summit, Chief of Staff Julius Debrah announced that over 100 Chinese owned or joint-venture manufacturing firms now operate in Ghana. This reflects a maturing partnership, one that has delivered tangible results in energy, infrastructure, and industrialisation, and also one that demands local ownership, and strategic alignment with Ghana’s long-term development goals.
The Road Ahead: Diplomacy with Vision
The Ghana–China economic relationship is no longer a novelty, it is a structural feature of Ghana’s development landscape.
Amid these shifts, His Excellency Kojo Bonsu, Ghana’s newly appointed Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, brings a wealth of experience to this pivotal role. As Head of Mission in Beijing, he is uniquely positioned to deepen bilateral ties, unlock new trade and investment opportunities, and champion cultural diplomacy.
His appointment signals Ghana’s intent to move beyond transactional engagement toward a strategic, values-driven partnership, one that aligns with Ghana’s aspirations for inclusive, sustainable, and sovereign development.
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Compiled By: Moses Sackie, Information Officer, Embassy of Ghana, The People’s Republic of China.
