Ghana and China have reinforced their economic ties, with bilateral trade surging to $11 billion and the potential to reach $15 billion. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, revealed this during high-level talks with a Chinese delegation from Nanning.

The two nations are exploring deeper economic cooperation, with China remaining Ghana’s top trading partner. Ablakwa suggested exchanging knowledge in areas like urban planning, fundraising, sanitation, and technology. He also encouraged the Vice Mayor of Nanning, Guo Wei, to select cities in his province to pair with Ghanaian cities, promoting people-to-people exchanges.

Ablakwa reiterated the government’s determination to eradicate illicit mining (galamsey) due to its environmental and social impacts. He urged the Vice Mayor to launch a public education campaign in Nanning to raise awareness about the consequences of galamsey, emphasizing that Ghana welcomes investment but will not tolerate unlawful activities.

Guo Wei expressed interest in collaborating with Ghana in economics, trade, agriculture, mining, urban development, culture, and people-to-people exchanges. He proposed establishing sister-city relations between Chinese and Ghanaian cities to foster closer ties.

The meeting concluded with both sides pledging to enhance their relations. The Chinese delegation attended the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, solidifying their commitment to cooperation.