From the energy corridors of Kpone to the expanding digital networks connecting rural Ghana, the Ghana–China economic partnership continues to shape the nation’s industrial and development landscape. What began as a foundation of infrastructure support has evolved into a multifaceted collaboration, powering energy, manufacturing, and technology sectors — while prompting vital conversations about sustainability, equity, and long-term national interest.
Powering Ghana’s Energy Future
At the center of Ghana’s energy progress stands Sunon Asogli Power (Ghana) Ltd, a combined-cycle natural gas power plant located in Kpone near Tema. Jointly owned by Shenzhen Energy Group (60%) and the China Africa Development Fund (40%), the facility contributes about 560 megawatts, roughly 20% of Ghana’s total electricity supply.
Beyond powering homes and industries, Sunon Asogli has become a hub for skills transfer, local employment, and community development, including a US$4 million road project that improved accessibility for residents of Kpone. The plant exemplifies how public–private partnerships, built on Chinese investment and Ghanaian oversight, can yield both economic and social dividends.
The Bui Dam: Powering Growth, Balancing Impact
Another landmark in Ghana–China cooperation is the Bui Hydropower Project, constructed by Sinohydro Corporation and financed through the China Exim Bank alongside the Government of Ghana. The 400 MW facility has expanded national power capacity and boosted energy supply to underserved northern regions.
During its construction phase, the Bui project created jobs for nearly 6,000 Ghanaians, underscoring its impact on local employment and skills development.
Industrialisation Gains: From Trade to Production
In Ghana’s manufacturing sector, Sunda Group, a Chinese firm producing fast-moving consumer goods (FMCGs), represents a shift from aid-based engagement to long-term trade and industrial partnership. With support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) in 2023, Sunda expanded its operations in Ghana, establishing a new detergent plant in Accra and increasing production of diapers and hygiene products.
By manufacturing locally, Sunda has contributed to import substitution, job creation, and Ghana’s goal of becoming a regional export hub. This growing industrial presence demonstrates how Chinese firms are becoming embedded in Ghana’s economic ecosystem — not only as builders, but as producers and employers.
Digital Futures: Building Ghana’s ICT Backbone
China’s influence also extends into Ghana’s digital sector. Huawei Technologies Co., Ltd. has become an integral partner in the country’s ICT infrastructure development, providing telecommunications equipment, digital network solutions, and training programmes that are helping bridge the urban–rural digital divide.
Through Huawei’s involvement, Ghana continues to strengthen its position as a regional hub for digital innovation and connectivity.
A Decade of Deepening Ties
At the 2025 Ghana–China Business Summit, Ghana’s Chief of Staff Julius Debrah revealed that more than 100 Chinese-owned or joint-venture manufacturing firms now operate across the country. The milestone reflects a deepening relationship that has expanded beyond infrastructure to encompass energy, manufacturing, agriculture, and digital innovation.
This partnership has yielded tangible results, yet Ghanaian leaders continue to emphasize the need for local ownership and strategic alignment with the nation’s long-term development goals.
Looking Ahead: Strategic Diplomacy and Shared Prosperity
As Ghana’s new Ambassador to China, H.E. Kojo Bonsu brings a wealth of leadership experience to Beijing, tasked with deepening bilateral cooperation, attracting investment, and promoting cultural diplomacy. His appointment marks a new phase of engagement — one focused on sustainable growth, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.
Under his leadership, Ghana’s mission in China aims to build partnerships that move beyond transactional exchanges toward strategic collaboration aligned with Ghana’s industrialisation and digital transformation agenda.
The Ghana–China economic relationship is no longer simply a partnership of convenience — it is a pillar of Ghana’s developmental vision, shaping the nation’s path toward industrial resilience and global competitiveness.
