The People’s Republic of China’s government has awarded Ghana a $30 million grant to build a contemporary market in Aflao.
President John Dramani Mahama made this campaign promise during the general elections in 2024.
On Monday, July 7, 2025, the grant agreement was formally signed in the Accra Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Chinese ambassador to Ghana, Mr. Tong Defa, signed on behalf of the Chinese government, while Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, signed on behalf of the Ghanaian government.
The facility, which is part of the two nations’ Economic and Technical Cooperation Agreement, intends to provide contemporary trade infrastructure in order to turn Aflao into a flourishing commercial hub.
In addition to connecting the markets in Ho and Lomé, the new market is anticipated to greatly boost economic activity along the Ghana-Togo border and raise living standards throughout the larger West African region.
The initiative was inspired by Cape Coast’s Kotokuraba Market, which was also supported by a comparable Chinese grant under the administrations of then-Vice President Mahama and the late President John Evans Atta Mills.
Since then, that market has grown to represent Ghana and China’s fruitful bilateral partnership.
Speaking during the signing event and later on social media, Mr. Ablakwa thanked the Chinese government for its ongoing assistance and restated Ghana’s dedication to enhancing the two countries’ relationship.
“This project will not only honour President Mahama’s promise to the people of Aflao but also drive regional integration, boost intra-African trade, and create thousands of direct and indirect jobs,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.
He claimed that because Aflao is a vital economic hub that links Ghana to the rest of West Africa via the ECOWAS corridor, its selection was strategic.
The project was part of larger efforts to undertake “down-to-earth” and people-centered initiatives that deliver practical benefits to both nations, according to Chinese Ambassador Mr. Tong Defa, who also praised the two countries’ cooperation.
“We had a fruitful discussion on how to implement some down-to-earth projects under the Agreement to better benefit our two peoples,” Ambassador Tong said.
Modern amenities will be incorporated into the Aflao market project, officials said, to provide a secure and effective trade environment.
Source: newsthemegh.com