Ghana’s long-standing relationship with China is entering a new phase of economic vibrancy, marked by a surge in visible investments and expanding business partnerships across key sectors of the economy.
This is the assessment of Dr. Jerry Darwin, Founder of Majesty Groupe, who spoke to journalists in Accra on the sidelines of the Africa Prosperity Dialogue.
According to Dr. Darwin, the strength of Ghana–China relations is no longer confined to diplomatic engagements but is clearly evident in the growing number of Chinese-owned and Chinese-affiliated businesses operating across the country.
“From retail to infrastructure, hospitality to manufacturing, the Chinese presence in Ghana has become a major pillar supporting economic activity and job creation,” he noted.
Available data from the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre indicates that China consistently ranks among the top sources of foreign direct investment into Ghana. Between 2013 and 2023, Chinese investors registered over 1,000 projects in Ghana, with estimated investments running into billions of US dollars.
These investments span multiple sectors. Chinese-backed retail hubs and shopping centres have become increasingly prominent in cities like Accra, Kumasi, and Takoradi, contributing to urban commerce and supply chains.
Additionally, more than 300 manufacturing companies with Chinese participation are involved in areas such as plastics, ceramics, textiles, steel processing, and electronics assembly.
Also, Chinese firms dominate Ghana’s road and infrastructure sector, with companies such as China Railway Construction Corporation and Sinohydro responsible for a significant portion of road networks, interchanges, and energy projects.
The hospitality industry has also seen growth, with dozens of Chinese-owned hotels, guesthouses, and restaurants catering to both expatriates and Ghanaians.
Estimates suggest that Chinese enterprises in Ghana directly and indirectly employ tens of thousands of Ghanaians, while also facilitating skills transfer and technology.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogue, where Dr. Darwin made these remarks, is a high-level continental forum that brings together African leaders, policymakers, and business executives to promote trade, investment, and economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Dialogue focuses on unlocking Africa’s economic potential by fostering partnerships, reducing trade barriers, and encouraging intra-African commerce alongside strategic global collaborations.
Dr. Darwin emphasized that Ghana remains one of the most attractive destinations for foreign investment in West Africa, citing its political stability, improving infrastructure, and investor-friendly policies.
“I encourage entrepreneurs, especially those looking toward Africa, to choose Ghana. The business environment is ripe, the regulatory systems are evolving, and there is a clear commitment to private sector growth,” he stated.
He further highlighted Ghana’s strategic position as a gateway to the West African market, particularly under AfCFTA, which offers access to over 1.3 billion people across the continent.
While praising the growing Ghana–China partnership, Dr. Darwin called for deeper collaboration that goes beyond trade into local manufacturing, technology transfer, and joint ventures that empower Ghanaian businesses.
He stressed the importance of ensuring that partnerships translate into sustainable development outcomes, including job creation, industrialisation, and increased exports.
“As we deepen these ties, the focus must be on mutual benefit, building industries here in Ghana while leveraging China’s technological expertise,” he added.
Story written by D. Deladem Kisseih
