The government plans to open a new trade office in China in 2026 as it seeks to deepen commercial ties and attract investment from one of its largest trading partners, Trade Minister Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare said.
The office will be located in Nanjing, in China’s Shandong province, with the intention of promoting bilateral trade and investment between the two countries, Ofosu-Adjare said during a farewell visit by the outgoing Chinese ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa.
The move comes as Ghana looks to expand exports and strengthen economic cooperation with China, including through currency and tariff arrangements. Ofosu-Adjare said Ghana is ready to sign a Zero-Tariff Agreement with China, a step that could lower trade barriers and improve market access for Ghanaian goods.
The minister added that trading in local currencies between Ghana and China has already begun, a development she says could help support the cedi. “If we are able to trade in our own currencies, Ghana’s currency will be strengthened, because the bulk of our trading goes to China,” Ofosu-Adjare said.
The minister praised Tong for his engagement with the ministry and efforts to attract Chinese investment during his tenure, and said she was optimistic about continued progress in Ghana–China relations after his departure.
For his part, Tong said interest from Chinese companies in Ghana remains strong and predicted an increase in exports from Ghana to China. “I am happy that Chinese businesses are doing very well under President Mahama,” the ambassador said.
China is one of Ghana’s biggest sources of imports and a growing destination for exports, particularly commodities and agricultural products. The planned trade office is expected to serve as a platform to support Ghanaian businesses seeking access to the Chinese market and to facilitate new investment flows into the West African economy.
