Chinese President Xi Jinping and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama held a meeting on the sidelines of the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women in Beijing. The encounter marked a significant moment in the 65-year diplomatic relations between China and Ghana. President Xi noted that the friendship between the two countries has grown stronger over time, and both leaders expressed hope to further develop bilateral relations.

The meeting emphasized the implementation of outcomes from the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. President Xi called for joint efforts to expand cooperation in various fields, including mining, energy, infrastructure construction, agriculture, and fisheries. Ghanaian President Mahama expressed his commitment to China’s Global Governance Initiative, which aims to build a more equitable global governance system.

Ghana has benefited from China’s support through mechanisms such as the Belt and Road Initiative, launched in 2013. China is one of Ghana’s main trading partners and a major investor, with over $3.9 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI) over the past decade. According to the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Chinese investments have reached 424 projects, creating more than 39,000 jobs during that period.

The significant investment and cooperation between China and Ghana underscore the growing ties between the two nations. As they celebrate 65 years of diplomatic relations, the meeting between Presidents Xi and Mahama highlights the potential for further development and cooperation. The Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, co-hosted with UN Women, provided a platform for discussion on greater roles for women in politics and governance, adding a layer of depth to the diplomatic engagement.

With China being a major player in global trade and governance, Ghana’s partnership with the country is likely to have significant implications for its economic and social development. As the two countries move forward, the outcomes of the meeting and the implementation of agreements will be closely watched. The meeting between Presidents Xi and Mahama reinforces the importance of diplomatic relations and cooperation in driving growth and development in both nations.