Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Kojo Bonsu, met with Liberia’s Ambassador Thomas McKinley, Dean of the West African Group of Ambassadors, emphasizing the role of regional cooperation in expanding trade and attracting Chinese investment. The meeting highlighted Ghana’s efforts to actively promote Chinese investment and the economic potential of a united West Africa in one of the world’s largest markets.
Ghana and China share deepening commercial ties. Bilateral trade reached $11.8 billion in 2024, with Ghana exporting commodities such as gold, cocoa, and oil, and importing machinery, electronics, and construction materials.
Chinese companies have invested heavily in Ghana’s infrastructure, telecommunications, and manufacturing sectors, supporting industrial growth and job creation. The ambassador, Bonsu has been leading a series of initiatives to attract Chinese investors, engaging directly with multinational firms, organizing investment forums, and encouraging projects that add value locally and strengthen industrial capacity.
In recent times, China has eliminated all tariffs on exports from Ghana, a move aimed at boosting trade and investment. This includes a zero-tariff agreement officially signed in October 2025 during a visit by President John Mahama to China, granting Ghanaian exporters duty-free access to the Chinese market. The deal is expected to significantly shift Ghana’s export landscape, providing strong incentives for manufacturers, agro-processors, and value-added businesses to scale up production.
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During the meeting, Ambassador Bonsu stressed that Ghana’s approach goes beyond national interests. “The future of Africa is bright, and we are committed to working together to achieve our shared goals,” he said, highlighting the importance of coordinated efforts among West African nations.
By working together on trade missions, investment promotion, and joint economic initiatives, West African countries can strengthen their collective bargaining power and make the region a more attractive destination for Chinese investment.
McKinley, a veteran diplomat in China with nearly two decades of experience, praised Bonsu’s leadership in driving regional cohesion. The ambassadors also discussed cultural and people-to-people programs that reinforce trust, an approach Bonsu has used consistently to lay the groundwork for sustainable economic partnerships.
With the zero-tariff deal in place and stronger regional coordination, West Africa is positioning itself as a unified economic bloc in China rather than a collection of individual markets. Bonsu’s ongoing efforts to promote investment, encourage value addition, and advance collaborative initiatives underline the region’s commitment to turning diplomatic engagement into tangible economic growth.
