Ghana and China have strengthened their longstanding bilateral relations with the signing of a US$30 million grant agreement to support the construction of a new university in Damongo, located in the Savanna Region of Ghana. The agreement was announced during a visit by the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, to the Ministry of Finance earlier today.
Minister for Finance, Ato Forson, expressed gratitude to Ambassador Tong for his dedicated service, stating, “I thanked Ambassador Tong on behalf of President Mahama and the people of Ghana for his service and commitment to strengthening Ghana–China relations.”
Over the past two decades, China has funded a wide range of educational projects across the continent, often emphasizing infrastructure, capacity building, and technical assistance. In Ghana, such investments complement ongoing domestic efforts to expand access to higher education, enhance human capital development, and prepare a new generation of skilled professionals for key economic sectors, including technology, healthcare, and agriculture.
The financial support will be instrumental in enhancing access to higher education in northern Ghana, a region that has long been underserved in terms of educational infrastructure. The new university is expected to provide modern facilities, attract skilled faculty, and expand opportunities for tertiary education in the Savanna Region.
In addition to celebrating the new grant, Ato Forson emphasized the importance of promoting more balanced and efficient trade between Ghana and China. “I also reiterated the importance of reducing exchange losses in our bilateral trade. It is only logical that trade between Ghana and China should increasingly be settled in our own currencies,” he noted. This approach aims to reduce reliance on foreign currencies, minimize transaction costs, and strengthen the local economy.
Ambassador Tong’s tenure in Ghana has been marked by significant progress in trade, investment, and cultural exchange initiatives. The Minister wished him success in his future endeavors, adding that Ghana looks forward to the continued strengthening of relations with China under the new diplomatic leadership.
The signing of the US$30 million grant agreement is expected to be a milestone in Ghana–China cooperation, reinforcing the commitment of both nations to fostering education, economic growth, and closer diplomatic ties. The Damongo University project represents a promising future for both the region and the country, marking a milestone in Ghana’s education and economic development journey.
