By Iddi Yire
Accra, Feb 10, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama has extended an open invitation to Chinese investors to look at the opportunities Ghana has to offer them.
“Ghana is open for business again and I invite our comrade Chinese investor community to look at the opportunities Ghana has to offer and let’s create a win-win situation for our two people.” – President John Dramani Mahama stated at the 2025 Lantern Festival of the Chinese People in Accra.
The Lantern Festival, also known as the Shangyuan Festival, is a Chinese event that marks the final day of the Chinese New Year celebrations.
The event, which took place at the University of Ghana Sports Stadium, was organized by the Chinese Embassy in Accra on the theme “Celebrating the 65th Anniversary of China-Ghana Relations and Chinese Lantern Festival Gala”.
At the event, the cultural troupe from Fujian put up beautiful performances.
The President said celebrating the Lantern Festival was an important occasion in Chinese culture that signified unity, renewal, and hope.
He said the festival, which marks the grand conclusion of the Chinese New Year celebration was an age-old tradition that brings together families, friends, and entire communities in a spirit of joy and reflection.
“As I stand before you tonight, witnessing the beauty of the lanterns and the warmth of the Chinese community here in Ghana, I’m reminded of the deep and enduring friendship that exists between Ghana and China,” President Mahama stated.
“This friendship has been built on decades of mutual respect and cooperation, and it continues to grow stronger from year to year.”
The President said the Lantern Festival was more than just a celebration; saying “it is a symbol of enlightenment, of unity, and progress”
He said the act of lighting and releasing lanterns into the sky represents the collective aspirations of a people, their aspirations for peace, for prosperity, and for a brighter future.
He said Ghana and China had a long history of cooperation that had positively impacted many sectors of Ghana’s economy.
President Mahama said Ghana-China diplomatic relations, which dated back to the 1960s, had evolved into a dynamic and strategic partnership.
He said China had been a key development partner of Ghana, contributing to infrastructural projects, trade, technology transfer, and investments in critical sectors such as the energy sector, health, and education.
He said one of the most visible signs of their friendship was the growing presence of Chinese businessmen and women and entrepreneurs in Ghana.
He said the Chinese community in Ghana had contributed significantly to the nation’s economy, particularly in areas such as construction, manufacturing, agriculture, mining, and trade.
Adding that likewise, Ghanaian businesses continued to explore opportunities in China, thereby strengthening the economic ties between their two nations.
He said their cooperation was not limited to the economy; and those cultural exchanges and education had also been important pillars of the relations.
He said many young Ghanaians had benefited from scholarships to study in China, bringing back knowledge and skills that had contributed to Ghana’s development.
President Mahama said Ghana, like many other nations, was working hard to address economic and social challenges, and that they were grateful for the support of their friends and partners, including China.
“As we move forward, we must continue to embrace cooperation and mutual respect, ensuring that the benefits of our partnership are shared by all our people,” he said.
On his part, Mr Tong Defa, the Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, lauded President Mahama for his dedication to strengthening the China-Ghana relations and for his valuable and unwavering support to Chinese enterprises and communities in Ghana.
He said the Chinese Government was willing to engage the Government of Ghana on industrialization and agriculture modernization to benefit their two countries and peoples.
GNA