Rawlings lauds China’s assistance

Former President Jerry John Rawlings has commended the government and people of China for their level of support for Ghana’s economic development and stated that the world cannot do without the strong presence of China on global stability.

He said China had extended its wealth to Ghana and other developing countries, particularly in infrastructural projects such as roads, bridges, among others, stating that the huge investment had eased hardship and dramatically improved the movement of goods and services across various African nations.

Flt Lt Rawlings made the remarks when the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Madam Sun Baohong, called on him last Wednesday to announce the end of her tenure of office in Ghana.

Commendation

Commending Ambassador Baohong for her role in Ghana, the former President said, “You have been one of the most proactive ambassadors from China and I hope your successor will continue from where you left off.

“Not too long ago, China was a developing country but today China is a pride to all of us. The level of skill and expertise and spread of your wealth to Africa is something we are grateful for,” Flt Lt Rawlings said.

Former President Rawlings also commended China for the efficiency exhibited by Chinese construction and allied companies on the continent, describing their ability to complete projects ahead of schedule as admirable and worthy of emulation.

While wishing Ambassador Baohong well in her new assignment, the former President said there were those who felt threatened by China and Russia’s success and would want to do everything to undermine what the two countries stood for.

“We live with the negative tendencies of the Western unipolar authority. The savagery of capitalism has created an unfortunate situation for the world but China and Russia have remained steadfast in maintaining global stability, freedom and justice.

“The world cannot leave the responsibility on China and Russia alone. We must all contribute more pro-actively ‘the arbitrary devaluing of international freedom, justice and diplomacy by some,” the former President said.

4-year tenure

Ambassador Baohong had earlier informed President Rawlings that she would end her four-year tenure in Ghana on April 16, 2018. She expressed her gratitude to the former President and members of his family for their support throughout her stay in Ghana and said she was leaving Ghana at a time when bilateral relations between the two countries had deepened.

She stated that within the past year, the Vice-President and the First Lady had visited China and was hopeful that President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo would also visit China later this year as part of efforts to expand China-Ghana cooperation. She added that China had identified a number of projects in Ghana and would support the government in that direction.

Scholarship

Madam Baohong said China would be hosting more Ghanaian students and professionals on Chinese government scholarships to help with the development of skills for Ghanaian professionals. She also commended the government for liaising with the embassy to combat the scourge of illegal mining, stating that once the legal framework on mining is strengthened, she was convinced the campaign to curb the problem would be won.

The outgoing ambassador described President Xi Jinping as a great leader not only for China but also for the world. “He is far-sighted and gets a lot of extensive support from the grassroots in China.”

According Madam Baohong, China’s priority and preference is to be a fully advanced country economically by 2020, providing more economic opportunity to developing countries, especially in the area of agricultural development. She expressed the hope that Ghana will enjoy stability and prosperity.