President Mahama to honour Xi Jinping's invitation to China
President John Dramani Mahama will pay a state visit to China on October 10 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, as part of efforts to deepen economic and diplomatic cooperation between the two nations.
The President announced his upcoming visit over the weekend during a sod-cutting ceremony for the construction of the Bright International Amusement Park at Afienya near Tema. The project, undertaken by Greenhouse International Development Group, a Chinese company, will span three years and is expected to be powered by the Bui Power Authority.
President Mahama said the new facility would boost tourism, generate jobs, and promote women’s empowerment through inclusive employment opportunities.
Describing Ghana as an increasingly attractive destination for investment, the President declared, “It’s open for investment; Ghana is open for business again, because we’re carrying out the reforms that will make Ghana the most attractive destination for investment.”
He added that Ghana’s economic recovery was on track, citing improvements in key indicators.
“All the macro indicators are looking well. Inflation is falling sharply, the economy has stabilized, we’ve overachieved on the primary balance, and business confidence is going up. Consumer confidence is going up, and our currency is relatively stable,” he said.
President Mahama noted that his discussions in Beijing would highlight the impressive performance of Chinese firms investing in Ghana, adding that he would encourage more Chinese businesses to explore opportunities in the country.
“I can assure you that we’ll have an open door to support business people who come and invest, including our Chinese businessmen,” he stated.
He further pledged to create a business-friendly environment that ensures ease of foreign exchange transactions, profit repatriation, and investment protection, stressing that the government would simplify the tax system to eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy.
The President also disclosed that his administration was in talks with the United States to reverse a 15 percent tariff imposed on Ghanaian exports and to restore zero-percent access under the Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).
“If that happens, we can attract more Asian and Chinese businesses to come and produce here for export into the American market,” he added.
President Mahama revealed that construction of the amusement park’s main facilities — including the golf course — would be completed in two years, while the hotel, residential units, and other amenities would be finished within three years.
“So, I can safely say that before my term of office ends, we’ll gather here again, this time not for sod cutting, but for commissioning of the Bright International Amusement Park,” he said confidently.
Chairman of Greenhouse International Development Group, Mr. Zheng Xiangming, described the project as a symbol of the enduring friendship between Ghana and China.
“In the future, we will deeply integrate into Ghana’s 24-Hour Economy, ensuring that this place is vibrant by day and brilliantly lit by night,” he affirmed.
The Bright International Amusement Park is expected to become one of Ghana’s largest leisure and hospitality destinations, reflecting the growing partnership between Accra and Beijing in driving industrial and tourism development.