The National Chairman of the Ghana–China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA), Ambassador Anani Demuyakor, has urged ciizens and the media to avoid narrowing down the conversation on China to only illegal mining or galamsey.
According to him, Chinese involvement in Ghana has several positive contributions which should be focused on.
Speaking at GHACHIFA’s end-of-year press soirée at Tang Palace Hotel in Accra on December 10, Ambassador Demuyakor said the focus on galamsey has overshadowed the many benefits of Ghana–China friendship.
“The narratives by our media has always unfortunately been about negatives,” he said.
“Let us put the only bad of rotten nut of galamsey behind us and focus on the numerous positives that the Chinese have in Ghana,” he added.
He mentioned a number of these positives, including Tang Palace Hotel, Central Oil Refinery, China Malls, Sunon Asogli Power, and Africa World Airlines, among others.
Ambassador Demuyakor also referenced the President of the Republic of China, saying, “President Xi Jinping has enthusiastically declared next year 2026 as the year of China and Africa.”
“This was endorsed by President Mahama when he visited China in October this year,” he added.
The Vice Chairman of GHACHIFA, Mr. Tang Hong, also in his address, described the Ghana–China relationship as one built on cooperation rather than convenience.
“This mutual attraction is rooted in respect, shared aspirations, and a common vision for development.”
He highlighted China’s zero-tariff policy which allows all of Ghanaian exports to enter the Chinese market duty-free.
“China’s zero-tariff policy for African exports, including Ghana’s, and our membership in the Belt and Road Initiative, are testaments to a partnership built on solidarity, not mere transaction.”
Mr. Tang outlined key areas the Ghana Association of Chinese Societies plans to strengthen in 2026, including efforts to. “Promote deeper cultural and educational exchanges, Facilitate business and investment dialogues, Support youth and women-led initiatives in the spirit of global cooperation, And commemorate, throughout the year, the enduring spirit of Africa-China friendship.”
“Our commitment is echoed in the words of H.E. President John Dramani Mahama, who, during his visit to Beijing, stated in an interview: ‘China has always been a true friend to Africa, and there is a mutual attraction between us’,” he added.
