I. Bilateral political relations

The People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Ghana established diplomatic relations on July 5, 1960. In October 1966, the Ghanaian government, which came to power in a coup, unilaterally broke off diplomatic relations with China. In February 1972, the government of General Ignatius Kutu Acheampong took the initiative to restore diplomatic relations with China, and China-Ghana relations have developed smoothly since then. In September 2024, the two countries established a strategic partnership.

On July 5, 2020, President Xi Jinping and Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo exchanged congratulatory messages to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries. In September 2024, President Nana Akufo-Addo attended the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. In December 2024, President Xi Jinping sent a congratulatory message to Ghanaian President-elect John Dramani Mahama. In January 2025, President Xi Jinping’s special envoy and Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress Hao Mingjin attended the inauguration ceremony of Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.

II. Bilateral economic and trade relations, and economic and technological cooperation

China and Ghana have signed a number of agreements, including the Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement, the Trade Agreement and the Protection of Investment Agreement. The two countries have established a Joint Economic and Trade Commission, and held its fourth meeting in Accra in September 2017.

In 2024, bilateral trade volume was 11.835 billion US dollars, a year-on-year increase of 7.1%. Among this, China’s exports amounted to 9.844 billion US dollars, and imports amounted to 1.992 billion US dollars. China mainly exported electromechanical, textiles, and steel, and imported crude oil, manganese ore, cocoa beans, etc.

Chinese companies began to carry out engineering contracting business in Ghana in 1983. At present, Chinese companies in Ghana have undertaken projects involving housing construction, water supply, well drilling, power supply, roads and bridges, stadiums, telecommunications and other fields.

III. Cooperation in culture, education, military and health

China and Ghana have signed a cultural cooperation agreement. China has accepted Ghanaian students since 1960. Under the framework of the “China-Africa University 20+20 Cooperation Plan”, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and the University of Ghana have become partners. Confucius Institutes were established respectively at the University of Ghana, the University of Cape Coast and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology. China provides training to Ghana in diplomacy, trade, agriculture, health care, education, fisheries, auditing, communications, energy, information industry, customs and other fields.

The exchanges between the Chinese and Ghanaian militaries have increased in recent years. In November 2015, Ghanaian Defense Minister Kumble visited China. In June 2018, the 28th escort fleet of the Chinese Navy visited Ghana. In June 2023, the 43rd escort fleet of the Chinese Navy visited Ghana.

The two countries have signed a protocol on medical and health cooperation. China has sent medical teams to Ghana since 2009, and has sent a total of 143 medical personnel of 13 batches so far. There are currently 11 medical personnel in Ghana.

IV. Important bilateral agreements and documents

Joint Communique between the People’s Republic of China and the Republic of Ghana on the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations (signed in July 1960);

Joint communique between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Ghana during Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s visit to Ghana (issued on June 19, 2006);

Agreement between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Ghana on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and Service Passports (officially came into effect on March 28, 2017);

Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Government of the Republic of Ghana on Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation within the Framework of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road Initiative (signed on September 1, 2018).