Mahama says China understands developing nations' needs

Former President John Dramani Mahama praised China’s long‑standing support for Africa in an exclusive interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN) on Friday, saying the partnership is boosting Ghana’s economic transformation.

Mahama described China as “a friend” whose cooperation has helped Africa invest in transformative infrastructure, citing highways, power plants and transmission lines that would have been difficult to undertake without Chinese assistance.

“China has maintained a solidarity with all developing countries and identifies itself strongly with the global south… China has stepped forward,” Mahama said.

The former president also noted that China consistently backs Africa’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council, reinforcing the alignment of their global interests.

The interview comes as Ghana and China mark sixty‑five years of diplomatic ties, a milestone that opens doors for deeper cooperation in trade, industrialisation, infrastructure projects and vocational training.

During CGTN’s Leaders Talk, host Wang Guan explored the prospect of a zero‑tariff trade agreement and China’s proposed Global Governance Initiative, which aims to enhance development cooperation amid shifting geopolitics.

Mahama emphasized that Ghana’s collaboration with China is not solely about physical investments but also about aligning economic and social development priorities.

He added that such partnerships could accelerate Ghana’s journey toward full modernisation while strengthening Africa’s collective bargaining power on the global stage.

The discussion signals continued momentum for Ghana‑China ties, with both sides expected to pursue concrete agreements in the coming months.

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