China’s Presence In Ghana Is Positive— Ambassador declares

He cited the investment of the Bui Dam and the Asogli power plant among other Chinese investments

By Benson Afful

Many Ghanaians have tagged the Chinese with activities associated with illegal mining in the country but the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Shi Ting Wang, says, trade cooperation between China and Ghana must not be limited to illegal mining. Trade cooperation, he said, is more positive and beneficial to the two countries.

Addressing the media in Accra, Mr. Wang said: “ China’s presence here is more positive and shouldn’t be limited to the few Chinese nationals who are involved in illegal activities.” He cited the investment of the Bui Dam and the Asogli power plant among other Chinese investments in the energy sector, which, he said have contributed between 30 to 40 percent of Ghana’s power supply to support his argument.

The Chinese government gave scholarships to 310 Ghanaian to study in various universities in China — the highest any country given to Ghanaian students this year. The 310 government scholarships outnumbered other countries. This proves China's commitment to human resource development in Ghana. Every year, the Chinese government gives scholarships to a total of 1,050 Ghanaian students to build their capacity in various areas, he said.

He urged Ghanaians and the security agencies to carry out their duty to enforce the law to apprehend any Chinese national who get involved in illegal acts. The Chinese government does not support any Chinese national who perpetuate an illegal act in Ghana.

According to Mr. Wang, China will continue to deepen reform and broaden open-up and make a contribution to Ghana’s development and global growth.

China’s GDP has hit US$13.6 trillion (90 trillion Yuan) with imports and exports totaling more than 30 trillion Yuan.

China contributes nearly 30 percent to world economic growth with a continued emphasis on technology and innovation.

Ghana’s export to China hit USD 1.4 billion, a historical high. China has become the leading source of investments in Ghana - investments span airlines, extractive, and in the energy sector.