CHINA, GHANA'S TRUE ALLY (SEPT 23, 2010)

GHANA and China have had long-standing relations since the former attained nationhood in 1957. Trade and other ties between the two countries have flourished over the years although China obviously dominates Ghana in the collaboration.
Not too long ago, the Chinese government extended support to Ghana to construct the National Theatre in Accra, which has been very beneficial to the people.
The Chinese are again involved in the construction of the Bui Dam to increase the country’s power generation required for national development efforts.
Since most donors, especially those belonging to the Paris Club, introduced tied aid, many of the developing countries have turned to China for assistance and a way out of the strict conditionalities.
Presently, our President, Professor John Evans Atta Mills, is on an official visit to China and bilateral talks between him and his Chinese counterpart are yielding fruitful results.
The President clinched a landmark deal with the Chinese government in which China will provide $3 billion financial aid to facilitate the development of Ghana’s infrastructural base.
China is also advancing a $260-million preferential buyers credit to finance the expansion of the Kpong Water Plant, while a grant of 100 million Yuan will also be provided to undertake water projects in some parts of the country.
In addition, the Export and Import Bank of China has also approved a $10.4 billion financial package for Ghana to transform its rail and road transport sectors.
The DAILY GRAPHIC will encourage President Mills and his Chinese counterpart, President Hu Jintao, to step up the exchanges between the two countries to the benefit of their peoples.
With the advancement chalked up by China over the last few years ,where even the so-called advanced economies turn to for a bail-out during this period of global economic downturn, it will be naive for anybody to downplay the giant strides China has made in all spheres of economic development.
The sophisticated level of development showcased at the 2008 Beijing Olympics should have by now compelled the doubting Thomases to revisit their assessment of China among the comity of nations.
The good news is that Ghana’s leadership and government have recognised China as a true partner in global trade and relations, hence the visit of our President to cement those ties.
The DAILY GRAPHIC believes that in the spirit of South-South co-operation, the leaders of Ghana and China will use the visit by President Mills to deepen the collaboration between the two countries for the mutual good.
Trade between the two countries can expand further if the two negotiate beneficial terms instead of the normal practice where raw materials from developing countries are purchased at give-away prices but finished goods are dumped on countries such as Ghana.
Any random sampling of opinion in Ghana will show that Ghanaians welcome the partnership between Ghana and China but there are some areas of concern that our two leaders should iron out.
It is common knowledge that some Chinese are involved in illegal mining activities, otherwise known as galamsey, while others are engaged in businesses reserved for Ghanaians.
Furthermore, captains of industry and commerce complain about the dumping of cheap and sub-standard products from the Far East, including China, and these concerns require prompt action.
The DAILY GRAPHIC urges the two leaders and their delegations to use the visit to deepen ties between the two countries and also find ways to address negative trade practices arising out of the growing business exchange between the two countries.