The Minister of Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, has called for a shift in Ghana’s trade relationship with China towards greater local processing, manufacturing and job creation.
Speaking at the opening of the Fifth Session of the Ghana–China Joint Commission on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation in Accra yesterday, Dr Forson stated that although China was Ghana’s largest trading partner, the structure of trade between the two countries must improve.
“China is now Ghana’s largest trading partner, but the structure must improve,” he said.
The Finance Minister said Ghana’s priority was to process more of its raw materials locally and significantly increase exports of processed cocoa and other value-added products to the Chinese market.
“We seek investments that build processing plants and manufacturing lines, transfer technology, procure from Ghanaian businesses, train our people and create sustainable jobs,” Dr Forson stressed.
He said Ghana’s economic partnership with China must deliver greater opportunities for local businesses, workers and the wider economy.
Context
According to the Ghana Statistical Service (GSS), total imports from China reached GH¢57.6 billion in 2025, up from GH¢56.8 billion in 2024.
China-Ghana trade recorded exports of $1.2 billion and imports of $159 million in February 2026, according to the trade data provided.
The figures indicate the value of goods traded between the two countries during the month.
The trade balance stood at $1.1 billion in February 2026, with exports significantly exceeding imports.
The data highlights the continued gap between Ghana’s exports to China and its imports from the Asian country.
Deepening cooperation
China’s Assistant Minister for Commerce, Zhang Li, who is visiting Ghana for the first time, commended Dr Forson and the government for the country’s recent economic improvements.
He said China was committed to deepening economic and commercial cooperation with Ghana, including supporting the government’s Big Push Programme and other priority initiatives.
