President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations with China, calling for stronger cooperation among nations that believe in multilateralism in the face of rising global unpredictability.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with His Excellency Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, President Mahama underscored the need for Ghana and China to work closely in safeguarding global economic stability and advancing mutual development interests.
Addressing Premier Li Qiang, President Mahama reflected on the shifting global political and economic order since the end of the Second World War. He observed that the commitment to a multilateral world system—one based on shared rules, fairness, and collaboration—is now being undermined by unilateral actions taken by some powerful nations.
“The world is changing rapidly since the Second World War. We all agreed that we would adopt a multilateral world order. Unfortunately, some countries have decided to act unilaterally, both in terms of their relationship with other countries, but also in terms of destroying the rules-based world trade order that we all had agreed to.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama lamented that unilateralism, particularly in global trade, is generating “a lot of confusion and unpredictability” in international relations. He cited examples of countries imposing tariffs without consultation, noting that such measures are contrary to the spirit of cooperation envisioned under global trade frameworks.
“Countries are slapping tariffs unilaterally on other countries. My own country, Ghana, has not been spared. We’ve been slapped with 15 percent tariffs by the USA under President Trump, but I’m sure that is far less than China has been slapped with.”
President John Dramani Mahama
The Ghanaian leader described this growing unpredictability as a challenge that called for closer cooperation between nations that shared similar values and developmental aspirations.
“This is a time that countries that have shared values must stand together, and Ghana and China have shared values. We have voted in international organizations on the same side.
“And so as the world becomes more unpredictable, this is a time that countries like Ghana and China, and other willing partners that believe in multilateralism, should stand even closer together.”
President John Dramani Mahama
China’s Consistent Global Leadership
President Mahama praised China’s consistent global leadership and development assistance to Africa, particularly through initiatives such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
According to him, these platforms have played an essential role in strengthening Africa’s trade infrastructure and connectivity, enabling the continent to better position itself in the global economy.
He expressed deep appreciation to Premier Li Qiang for China’s long-standing partnership with Africa and its support toward infrastructure development across the continent.
“Let me congratulate China and to thank you for the support you continue to give to Africa through FOCAC and the Belt and Road Initiative. These programs are opening up infrastructure that facilitate trade, especially as Africa has adopted the African Continental Free Trade Area.”
President John Dramani Mahama
President Mahama emphasized that Africa’s ability to fully harness the benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) depended significantly on improved infrastructure and trade facilitation systems.
He noted that the Belt and Road Initiative had been instrumental in bridging infrastructure gaps across African economies, creating the physical and logistical networks necessary to support intra-African trade.
“It becomes important that we put in the infrastructure—the railways, the ports, the roads—to be able to exchange goods between African countries. And China has been one of the countries that has assisted in this regard.”
President John Dramani Mahama
He further noted that Ghana’s partnership with China had produced tangible results in energy, roads, health, and technology, adding that his government would continue to explore new avenues for cooperation that benefit both nations.
“Our collaboration has been anchored on mutual respect and shared progress,” he stressed, reaffirming Ghana’s readiness to work with China on projects that promote sustainable development and inclusive growth.
The meeting also touched on the need for nations to uphold the principles of equity and fairness in global trade and diplomacy. President Mahama emphasized that smaller nations like Ghana depended on predictable international systems to thrive and called on global powers to act responsibly.
Premier Li Qiang, in turn, commended Ghana’s leadership and reiterated China’s continued commitment to strengthening bilateral ties with Ghana. He assured President Mahama that China valued Ghana’s stability and leadership role in Africa and looked forward to expanding collaboration in trade, infrastructure, and industrialization.
President Mahama’s remarks come at a time when global economic relations are increasingly defined by trade wars, shifting alliances, and geopolitical competition. His call for unity and cooperation among nations that uphold multilateralism underscores Ghana’s diplomatic stance as a country that believes in partnership-driven development.
As both nations reaffirmed their shared values and commitment to international cooperation, President Mahama expressed optimism that Ghana-China relations would continue to serve as a model for South-South collaboration, built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared vision for global peace and prosperity.
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