The strengthening relationship between China and Ghana
China and Ghana have had a connection or relationship for quite a few years now. It began to make mainstream news in America about three years ago when reports of elections in Ghana and Chinese monetary contributions were being questioned. Although that was the hot news on this side of the globe, I remember hearing about and seeing firsthand the influence these two countries had on each other as early as 2000.
In 2001, I was taken aback by the number of Ghanaians that were studying abroad in Beijing. The only reason I knew they were Ghanaian was because I was often asked if I was Ghanaian or would be greeted with “Akwaaba!” I learned in 2003 on a trip that Accra, Ghana that “Akwaaba” was a word meaning welcome.
My China-Ghana connection was brought to full light before any of the rumblings in the US over improprieties on this union and misgivings over the currency exchanges between the two countries. Seeing as how this China-Ghana relationship is just a forerunner of many more to come, here are four things to know about it.
Four facts about the China-Ghana connection
- Bilateral trade between China and Ghana has already reached nearly $4 billion USD. It was reported that their bilateral trade had reached $3.47 billion in 2001. China is one of Ghana’s top 10 investors.
- The relationship between China and Ghana is truly one based on natural resources. Sure each nation is stepping up their investment game whith the other, but at the core of this relationship is China’s desire to have direct access to natural resources and full mining control.
- Hottest news: illegal Chinese miners have been spotted in Ghana and both countries are collaborating on ways to fight illegal mining.
- While Ghana is among the first African country to enter into a collaborative relationship with China, they are far from being the last. Africa is a largely diverse continent, so be prepared to see more of these partnerships come to fruition.
It’s easy to think of international business as “us” going to “them.” It must be realized by professionals that international business has many other facets, too. Namely: “them” coming to “us,” “them” going to “them,” etc. Keep abreast on what other international relationships are budding – there may be a way for you and your business to contribute.
