“You Haven’t Just Been an Ambassador, You’ve Been a Friend” – Mahama Bids Farewell to Chinese Ambassador
President Mahama praises Ambassador Tong for strengthening Ghana-China ties and highlights ongoing development support and future cooperation
- President Mahama praised outgoing Chinese Ambassador Tong Defa for strengthening bilateral relations and called him a friend of Ghana
- China has supported Ghana’s development with projects
- Ambassador Tong highlighted opportunities for further cooperation in trade, industry, mining, and science and technology
President John Dramani Mahama today received the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, in a farewell audience, praising him for his role in strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and China during his tenure.
“You haven’t just been an ambassador or diplomat, you have been a friend, and I’m sad to see you go. Of course, our relations with China are excellent,” President Mahama remarked.
The President also thanked Chinese President Xi Jinping for China’s involvement in Ghana’s debt restructuring and for supporting the country’s development. He highlighted a $30 million grant for the Aflao Market Project and another $30 million for the construction of a new Science and Technology University in Damango.
“We want to see greater cooperation with China in logistics, anti-terrorism training, and border surveillance to prevent infiltration of our territories,” he added, while also suggesting the establishment of a payment and settlement system between the two countries.
Ambassador Tong congratulated President Mahama on his achievements in his first year, particularly in reviving Ghana’s economy, and called for enhanced cooperation in industry, trade, mining, and science and technology.
He also noted that the China zero-tariff arrangement for Ghanaian exports would soon be operational and requested Ghana’s support for China’s bid to host the Secretariat of the new UN treaty on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.
