Chinese ambassador urges localisation of manufacturing in Ghana to support 24-hour economy initiative

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Tong Defa, has thrown his support behind the Government’s 24-Hour Economy initiative, calling on Chinese enterprises to establish manufacturing bases in the country.

He appealed during an interactive session with media fellows participating in the Ghana-China Media Fellowship 2025, organised by the Africa-China Centre for Policy and Advisory (ACCPA). The discussion centred on economic cooperation, industrial transformation, and sustainable development within the Ghana-China partnership.

Mr Tong emphasised that localising manufacturing in Ghana aligns with broader China-Africa cooperation frameworks such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). He noted that China’s evolving economic engagement now prioritises industrialisation, value addition, and job creation in host countries.

China remains one of Ghana’s leading trade and investment partners. The ambassador called for increased Chinese manufacturing ventures to bolster Ghana’s industrial policy objectives and strengthen economic integration.

Launched earlier in 2025, Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy initiative aims to boost productivity, create jobs, and increase exports by promoting continuous operations in key sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, energy, and services.

The Ghana-China Media Fellowship seeks to enhance media understanding of bilateral relations, and the ambassador’s engagement offered participants valuable insights into how diplomacy and enterprise can drive shared development priorities.