Mahama Urges China Joint Ventures to Boost Ghana Economy
President John Dramani Mahama called on Chinese industries to deepen ties with Ghana by forming strategic partnerships with local firms to process raw materials within the country for export back to China. The appeal was made during an exclusive, wide‑ranging interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN).
In the interview, Mahama outlined a manufacturing‑focused partnership that moves beyond traditional resource extraction and infrastructure funding. He said Ghana aims to shift from merely shipping raw cocoa, timber and mineral ores to delivering higher‑value‑added, finished or semi‑finished products.
“Processing our resources locally will create jobs, transfer technology and shield our economy from volatile commodity prices,” President Mahama said.
The initiative aligns with Ghana’s long‑term industrialisation agenda, which seeks to raise the manufacturing sector’s contribution to GDP from around twelve percent to at least twenty percent by 2030. Mahama stressed that local processing will create jobs, foster technology transfer and stabilise the economy by reducing reliance on volatile commodity prices.
He also praised China’s central role in Africa’s development, citing large‑scale projects such as the Bui hydro‑electric dam, the Accra‑Kumasi highway upgrades and the expansion of Tema port, many financed through concessional loans and government‑to‑government agreements. “China has been a true friend, helping us build the infrastructure needed for development,” he said.
Many African leaders view this partnership as a necessary alternative to traditional Western development models, offering faster delivery of essential projects. Mahama noted that such cooperation can complement Ghana’s domestic reforms and attract further private investment.
The conversation also turned to historical and international issues, with the president reaffirming Ghana’s firm stance on recognising the transatlantic slave trade as the ultimate historical transgression. He announced that Ghana will move a motion at the United Nations General Assembly next year urging the world to acknowledge the slave trade as the greatest crime against humanity.
The proposed UN motion underscores Ghana’s self‑identification as the “Gateway to Africa” and its aspiration to lead global efforts for restorative justice. Mahama said the motion will reinforce Ghana’s moral leadership on the world stage.
If the manufacturing partnership materialises, it could generate thousands of jobs, attract technology and position Ghana as a hub for value‑added exports to China, while the UN initiative highlights the country’s commitment to historical truth and global solidarity.
Image Source: MYJOYONLINE
