Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H.E. Tong Defa, has reaffirmed China’s enduring commitment to fair global trade, multilateral cooperation, and support for Ghana’s evolving development agenda.
Addressing journalists in Accra, Ambassador Tong expressed concern over the rise in global protectionism and unilateral economic measures—particularly by the United States—which he described as a threat to international economic stability and the rules-based multilateral trading system.
“There are no winners in tariff wars,” he said. “International issues should be resolved through dialogue, not coercion. The future of the world must be shaped through collective effort.”
Ambassador Tong decried recent U.S. tariff hikes, some of which he said target products from over 180 countries, including Least Developed Countries (LDCs). He cited cases where tariffs on Chinese goods, such as solar panels, exceed 3,000 percent.
“Such measures violate WTO rules, distort markets, and amount to economic bullying,” he said, adding that China “strongly condemns and opposes” the moves.
Reinforcing China’s broader international stance, the ambassador highlighted China’s leadership in opening its markets to the world, especially to African nations. He said China remains the first G20 nation to offer 100% zero-tariff treatment to all LDCs with diplomatic ties, including 33 African countries.
“We are not only opening up—we are sharing development opportunities, especially with our African brothers and sisters,” he noted.
He revealed that China has signed bilateral investment treaties with 34 African countries and double taxation agreements with 21, as part of efforts to deepen trade and investment collaboration.
In Ghana, Ambassador Tong pledged alignment with the government’s new national priorities, including the 24-Hour Economy and the Feed Ghana initiative. He said China is eager to support Ghana’s industrialisation, agriculture, and infrastructure transformation.
“With our bilateral ties now upgraded to a strategic partnership, we are ready to support Ghana’s new direction,” he said.
He also assured that China remains committed to helping Ghana resolve its debt challenges through the official creditor committee, which it co-chairs with France.
On employment, the ambassador emphasized China’s readiness to facilitate investment by Chinese companies in Ghana’s manufacturing sector.
“We will encourage our companies to set up factories here—creating jobs and boosting production for domestic use and regional export,” he said.
He noted that China sees job creation as central to Ghana’s economic recovery, and described local industrial investment as a top priority.
Ambassador Tong lauded the historic ties between Ghana and China, citing over $12 billion in bilateral trade in 2023. He said the foundation laid by the founding leaders of both countries has evolved into a productive partnership built on trust, shared values, and mutual benefit.
He welcomed Ghana’s smooth political transition earlier this year and praised President John Dramani Mahama’s leadership.
“We admire Ghana’s democratic culture and look forward to stronger exchanges in trade, governance, and people-to-people diplomacy,” he said.
Joining the discussion, veteran journalist and political analyst Kwesi Pratt emphasized the tangible benefits of China-Africa cooperation, calling for a shift away from one-sided pro-Western narratives.
“When you travel across the continent, you see what Chinese partnerships have built—roads, ports, factories—not empty aid promises,” he said.
Pratt argued that unlike Western donors, China offers support without political conditions.
“China doesn’t dictate how we govern. They show respect. That’s the difference,” he said. “We’re not for China or the U.S.—we must be for ourselves. What matters is Africa’s interest.”
Beyond the Headlines
Ambassador Tong also criticized the lack of balanced reporting on China’s role in Ghana, noting that media coverage often focuses on isolated incidents, such as illegal mining or theft.
“Why do we only appear in the news during crises?” he asked. “What about our contributions to Ghana’s health, defence, and infrastructure sectors?”
He cited China’s donation of the Ministry of Defence building and ongoing support for medical projects as examples of underreported assistance. He added that China is increasing regulation of its businesses in Ghana and working with local authorities to address concerns, including the launch of a new social responsibility fund.
Closing the interaction, Ambassador Tong called for stronger collaboration with Ghanaian media to ensure more accurate, constructive, and informed storytelling.
“Let us build a narrative based on facts, mutual respect, and a shared future,” he said.
