Kojo Bonsu: Shaping Ghana’s Investment Image in China

Ghana’s Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China, Kojo Bonsu, is redefining the country’s investment narrative in Asia’s largest economy. With a background spanning sports administration, entrepreneurship and public service, Bonsu brings decades of experience to his diplomatic mission—positioning Ghana as a prime destination for Chinese investment.

As Ghana’s representative in China, he has tasked the Chinese media with helping to spotlight Ghana’s business potential. His call aligns with the broader economic diplomacy agenda of President John Dramani Mahama, which prioritizes foreign direct investment and strengthened bilateral relations.

Speaking at a press soirée hosted by the Ghana Embassy in Beijing, Bonsu encouraged Chinese media institutions to partner with the mission in promoting trade and investment opportunities between the two countries. The event, attended by leading Chinese media organizations, also highlighted Ghana’s upcoming 69th Independence Anniversary and showcased key sectors open to investment.

According to Bonsu, Ghana offers strong prospects in infrastructure, clean energy, Information Technology (IT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), healthcare, minerals processing and agriculture. He emphasized that Ghana’s stable democracy, peaceful environment and business-friendly policies make it one of Africa’s most attractive investment destinations.

“The Ghana Embassy is open to collaboration,” he noted, inviting Chinese journalists to engage more deeply with Ghanaian affairs and help project a positive image of the country.

A Career of Diverse Leadership

A native of Offinso in the Ashanti Region, Michael Kojo Mensa Bonsu was born into a distinguished family—his mother a respected Queen Mother and his father a military officer. His early education at Tamale Secondary School shaped his interest in sports administration, a passion that would later define part of his career.

Bonsu later trained in sports business and marketing in Germany while working with global sportswear giant Adidas. He became the company’s first West Africa representative and later managed operations across the sub-region, brokering partnerships with the Ghana Football Association and the national team.

His leadership extended beyond sports. In 2011, he served as Managing Director of GOIL, where he played a pivotal role in the company’s rebranding—an initiative that propelled it to the top retail position among Ghana’s oil marketing firms.

Bonsu also left a significant mark in public administration. Appointed Metropolitan Chief Executive of the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly in 2013, he spearheaded major infrastructure projects, including the development of the Kejetia Market—often dubbed “Kejetia Dubai”—and the construction of modern markets at Asawase, Tafo and Atonsu-Agogo. He also oversaw the creation of the popular Kumasi Rattray Park recreational facility.

In sports governance, he served as board chairman of the National Sports Authority and was actively involved with clubs such as Asante Kotoko and Real Tamale United. Earlier in his career, he contested for the presidency of the Ghana Football Association but lost to Kwesi Nyantakyi.

An entrepreneur and publisher, Bonsu founded Agoo Magazine, an African lifestyle publication, and has consistently demonstrated versatility across sectors.

Strengthening Ghana–China Relations

Now at the forefront of Ghana-China diplomacy, Bonsu’s mission is clear: deepen economic ties and reposition Ghana as a gateway for investment into West Africa. He maintains that Ghana’s democratic credentials, rich cultural heritage and investor-friendly climate offer a compelling case for Chinese businesses seeking expansion into Africa.

Although he previously sought his party’s presidential nomination in 2024, Bonsu continues to channel his political and administrative experience into national service—this time on the global stage.

Through strategic engagement with the Chinese media and business community, Kojo Bonsu is working to craft a new investment face for Ghana—one built on partnership, opportunity and mutual growth.