THE CHINESE President Xi Jinping has described Ghana as a trustworthy country, pledging China’s commitment to continue to work closely with the West African country for many years.
He observed that Ghana had remained a faithful partner to China ever since it (Ghana) attained its independence from colonial rule.
President Jinping also referred to President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo as an old and loyal friend of China; hence during Akufo-Addo’s tenure as president, definitely Ghana-China relations are likely to improve greatly.
According to him, the regime of President Akufo-Addo has presented a golden opportunity for the two countries to work to ensure that the Ghana-China relations take the lead in Africa.
The Chinese leader said: “The deep historic bond between China and Ghana, nurtured by our leaders such as Mao Zedong, Kwame Nkrumah and others, has resulted in a 58-year-old tradition of friendship”, adding “you are an old friend of the Chinese people and I am ready to work closely with you, President Akufo-Addo”.
Mr. Xi Jinping was speaking during a bilateral meeting between the representatives of the Chinese government and their Ghanaian counterparts, which was held at the ‘Great Hall of the People’ in Beijing on Saturday afternoon.
President Akufo-Addo, who was leading a high-powered government delegation, was on a state visit to China. It was his maiden visit to the country since he assumed office.
Mr. Xi Jinping said he acknowledges Nana Addo’s efforts to break new frontiers for his country as president, assuring him that he can always rely on China as a trustworthy partner for assistance.
According to Mr. Jinping, his administration is ever prepared to assist Ghana in any way possible so that the friendship that had existed between the two countries for several decades would be protected and enhanced.
He particularly commended President Akufo-Addo for his boldness to champion “Ghana Beyond Aid”, and stressed that the president should remain resolute and ensure that the policy is spread across the entire African continent.
On his part, President Akufo-Addo recounted how Ghana and China had stayed and worked closely together for several years, stressing the need for the healthy relationship to be jealously protected and enhanced.
He said Ghana, under his leadership, had decided to actively participate on the international scene as a partner and not a beggar, hence his introduction of the famous ‘Ghana Beyond Aid’ vision.
The Ghanaian leader said his country and China had intensified their trading activities during the past three years and stated that he was hopeful the friendship between the two countries would be developed further.
The president was accompanied to China by his wife, Rebecca Akufo-Addo, who would use her short stay in China to embark on her own initiatives to help improve the lives of the people of the two countries.
Also, he was accompanied by top government officials such as Dr. Owusu Afriyie Akoto, the Agric Minister; Ken Ofori Atta, Finance Minister; Alan Kyeremanten, Trade and Industry Minister; among others.
FROM I.F. Joe Awuah Jnr., Beijing, China