Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has paid tribute to the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, H. E. Tong Defa, describing his tenure as impactful and marked by significant gains in Ghana-China relations.

The commendation was delivered when the Minister hosted the Ambassador on a farewell visit, bringing to a close a diplomatic posting that both sides say strengthened cooperation across key sectors. Hon Ablakwa noted that Ambassador Tong Defa played an important role in advancing bilateral relations within a relatively short period.

He said the partnership between Ghana and China during the Ambassador’s tenure yielded tangible results that aligned with Ghana’s development priorities, particularly in infrastructure, education, trade, and technology. The Minister expressed pride in what was achieved through what he described as focused and results oriented engagement.

Among the notable outcomes of the collaboration was the securing of a 30 million dollar grant for the construction of a modern Aflao Market. The project is expected to improve trading conditions, enhance sanitation, and boost cross border commerce in the Volta Region.

The market, once completed, is anticipated to support local traders and strengthen regional trade links, reflecting Ghana’s broader agenda of upgrading market infrastructure nationwide.

Another key achievement highlighted by the Foreign Affairs Minister was the acquisition of an additional 30 million dollar grant to establish a Science and Technology University in Damongo.

The proposed institution is expected to expand access to tertiary education in northern Ghana and contribute to skills development in science, technology, and innovation. According to Hon Ablakwa, the project demonstrates a shared commitment to education as a driver of long term development.

Beyond infrastructure and education, the Minister pointed to progress made in Ghana’s efforts to join the International Organization for Mediation. He explained that diplomatic engagement with China helped expedite the process, which has since received cabinet approval and is expected to be ratified by Parliament.

Membership of the organization is seen as enhancing Ghana’s profile in international dispute resolution and multilateral diplomacy. Trade relations between the two countries also featured prominently during the farewell engagement. Hon Ablakwa noted that Ghana and China successfully concluded bilateral negotiations for a zero percent tariff regime on selected goods.

This development is expected to improve market access for Ghanaian exports, promote trade competitiveness, and deepen economic ties between the two countries. The Minister further acknowledged a significant increase in scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students to study in China.

He said the expansion of scholarships has helped build human capital and foster people to people relations, which remain a cornerstone of sustained bilateral cooperation. These opportunities, he added, contribute to skills transfer and cultural exchange between the two nations.

Enhanced trade and deepened multi sectoral cooperation were also cited as hallmarks of Ambassador Tong Defa’s tenure. According to Hon Ablakwa, collaboration extended across areas such as infrastructure development, technology transfer, and investment promotion.

He said these engagements reflected a maturing partnership built on mutual respect and shared interests. One area of cooperation that received particular attention was the joint effort to confront the menace of illegal small scale mining, commonly referred to as galamsey.

Hon Ablakwa noted that Ghana and China worked together on genuine measures to address the problem, including cooperation on new visa controls and public education initiatives in China. These steps, he said, were aimed at preventing environmental degradation and promoting responsible conduct.

The Minister also referenced Constituency Smart School Projects as part of the broader cooperation agenda. These initiatives are intended to support digital learning and improve access to technology at the community level, aligning with Ghana’s goal of integrating information technology into education and governance.

In his remarks, Hon Ablakwa expressed appreciation for the personal commitment and professionalism demonstrated by Ambassador Tong Defa throughout his assignment. He described the outgoing envoy as a true friend of Ghana and wished him well in his future endeavours.

The Minister said the achievements recorded during the Ambassador’s tenure would serve as a strong foundation for continued engagement between the two countries.

The farewell visit underscored the enduring nature of Ghana China relations and the importance of diplomatic leadership in translating cooperation into concrete outcomes.

As Ambassador Tong Defa prepares to depart, both sides expressed confidence that the partnership would continue to grow, guided by the principles of mutual benefit and shared development.