Ghana's Tourism Minister Courts Chinese Investors for Industry Growth

Ghana's Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, has called on Chinese investors to consider establishing factories in the country's tourism and creative arts industries. This move aims to promote technology transfer, create sustainable jobs, and strengthen Ghana's economy. The minister emphasized that Ghana possesses the necessary human resources and skilled workforce to support industrial development.

Ms Gomashie made these remarks during the China’s Governance and World Development Global Dialogue series, organized by the China Media Group in Accra. She highlighted the potential for a stronger Ghana-China partnership that goes beyond traditional trade and infrastructure projects. By establishing industries in Ghana, Chinese investors can facilitate knowledge transfer and provide sustainable employment opportunities, particularly for the youth.

The minister invited Chinese business people to engage with her ministry to explore investment opportunities in Ghana's tourism sector. She assured them that the government is committed to creating an enabling environment for Chinese investors to partner with local stakeholders in developing the industry. This initiative is expected to boost tourism and promote cultural exchanges between the two countries.

Ms Gomashie commended China for its commitment to rehabilitating and modernizing the National Theatre of Ghana. She described this initiative as an important investment in the country's creative arts industry, which will improve the theatre's facilities and technical capabilities. The project is also expected to create opportunities for artists and creative entrepreneurs.

The minister emphasized the importance of stronger people-to-people relations between Ghana and China. She stressed that cultural exchanges are essential to sustaining bilateral cooperation. However, she acknowledged concerns raised by Ghanaians about certain activities involving Chinese nationals and urged both countries to ensure that their engagements comply with the laws of their respective host countries.

Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Cong Song, expressed China's readiness to support Ghana's industrialization and economic transformation. He highlighted China's commitment to sharing development experience, assisting Ghana in increasing value-added production, and encouraging Chinese enterprises to invest in Ghana. The ambassador emphasized the need for strengthened cooperation in economic development, governance, and people-to-people exchanges for mutual benefit.

The dialogue series provided a platform for both countries to discuss ways to deepen their bilateral relations. The Chinese ambassador reaffirmed China's commitment to deepening bilateral relations, citing the importance of global cooperation. With a focus on mutual benefit, Ghana and China are poised to strengthen their partnership in various sectors, including tourism, culture, and creative arts.

Key points

• Minister Abla Dzifa Gomashie urges Chinese investors to establish factories in Ghana's tourism and creative arts sectors.
• The Ghanaian government is committed to creating an enabling environment for Chinese investors to partner with local stakeholders.
• China has expressed readiness to support Ghana's industrialization and economic transformation through increased investment and value-added production.