The new Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Cong Song, on Monday presented his Letters of Credence to President John Dramani Mahama at the Presidency in Accra, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries.
During the ceremony, Mr. Cong also submitted the Letters of Recall of his predecessor, Mr. Tong Defa, and conveyed warm greetings and best wishes from Chinese President Xi Jinping to President Mahama.
He reaffirmed the goodwill and friendship of the Chinese Government and People toward Ghana.
Highlighting Ghana’s recent diplomatic achievement, the Ambassador congratulated President Mahama for representing Africa at the United Nations General Assembly in support of the resolution declaring the transatlantic slave trade the gravest crime in human history.
“This is a victory for Ghana, and this is a victory for Africa, and China supports that. China will always stand firmly with our African friends to correct historical injustice and uphold global fairness,” Mr. Cong stated.
Reflecting on the historical ties between the two nations, Mr. Cong noted that China and Ghana’s friendship dates back to the era of President Kwame Nkrumah and Chinese leaders Chairman Mao Zedong and Premier Zhou Enlai.
Over the past 65 years, he said, diplomatic relations have endured shifting geopolitical and economic landscapes, with mutual support on core interests remaining unchanged.
The Ambassador underscored that under the leadership of President Mahama and President Xi Jinping, Ghana-China relations have entered a new era of strategic partnership.
He recalled President Mahama’s successful visit to China last year, during which the two leaders reached significant agreements on bilateral cooperation and development.
Mr. Cong highlighted the impressive growth in bilateral trade, which reached a record $14.1 billion, representing 19.3 percent year-on-year growth.
He expressed China’s support for Ghana’s “Reset Ghana Agenda,” the Accra Reset Initiative, and the 24-Hour Economy Policy, encouraging Chinese entrepreneurs to actively participate in Ghana’s modernization and economic development.
On specific sectors, the Ambassador noted China’s interest in supporting Ghana’s reconstruction and mining industries and welcomed Ghana’s eligibility for zero-tariff treatment, which is expected to expand cooperation further.
He also emphasized that China’s ongoing 15th Five-Year Plan prioritizes high-quality development and an open economic policy, aligning with Ghana’s modernization goals.
Expressing his excitement and sense of responsibility, Mr. Cong assured President Mahama that he would diligently work to consolidate cooperation and friendship between Ghana and China.
In response, President Mahama congratulated Mr. Cong on his appointment, praising the longstanding history and personal ties underpinning Ghana-China relations.
He thanked President Xi Jinping for recent invitations to China and for grants supporting the establishment of the Aflao markets and a university in the Savannah Region.
The credential ceremony also saw several other foreign envoys present their credentials to President Mahama, including Madam Diarra Dime Labille of France, Mr. Rui Orlando Ferreira de Ceita Da Silva Xavier of Angola, Madam Ndiyakupi Nghituwamata of Namibia, and Madam Jacquiline Natepi Ben Lochalamoi of South Sudan.
