Ghana Bids Chinese Envoy A Warm Goodbye

First Lady Rebecca Akufo-Addo, with many members of the Diplomatic Community, top government officials and politicians turned up at a reception, on Tuesday night, to give Madam Sun Baohong, the outgoing Chinese Ambassador, a befitting farewell.

Mrs Samira Bawumia, wife of the Vice President, Mr John Peter Amewu, the Minister of Lands and Natural Resources, Mrs Barbara Oteng-Gyasi, his deputy, Mr Charles Owiredu, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Mr Edward Boateng, Ghana's Ambassador to China and members of the Ghana-China Friendship Association were also present to say their goodbyes.

Madam Baohong, is leaving Ghana to Kenya, feeling very accomplished and duly appreciated after a four-year distinguished duty tour which, has seen unprecedented Chinese interest and investments in the socio-economic wellbeing of Ghana.

Proudly wearing her Order of the Star of Ghana badge, over a beautiful kente slit and kaba, a visibly elated Madam Baohong declared: 'A bosom friend afar brings a distant land near.

'I have been working on African affairs for 26 years and the experiences in Ghana are my lifelong treasures and I will continue to support the development of China-Ghana relations.

'...I have visited the 10 regions in Ghana and have appreciated each of their local customs such as the exquisite kente cloth, the golden tree chocolate, fufu with goat light soup, among others.

'All these experiences of ancient civilization and modern culture have enhanced my understanding of this country and its people.'

Giving account of the fruits, which her passion for duty with hard work has yielded, Madam Baohong stated: 'Over the past four years, China has remained the largest trading partner and main source of investment for Ghana.

'The bilateral trade volume has risen from 5.6 billion USD in 2014 to 6.68 billion USD in 2017 with Ghana's export China reaching a historical high of 1.85 billion USD. China's registered investment projects in Ghana has risen from 691 in 2014 to 790 by the end of 2017, covering manufacturing, mining, energy, agriculture and services industry'.

She also commissioned grant and loan projects such as the Kpong Water Supply Expansion project, Phase II of the Distance Education ICT project, the Atuabo Gas Processing Plant, some z9 helicopters, the University of Health and Allied Sciences and the Cape Coast Sports Stadium.

The Chinese Embassy also helped to build 11 ICT laboratories in eight regions.

'I remember when I commissioned the one in Garu-Tempane in the Upper East Region, the school became a sea of joy,' she recalled. 'I have also made donations to 15 impoverished communities to improve on their wellbeing.'

On significant high-level exchanges, Madam Baohong stated: 'Last year, Chinese President Xi Jinping's Special Envoy and Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC H.E Wang Zhengwei and Vice Minister visited Ghana. V

'Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, the First Lady and other Ministers also visited China. These high level exchanges have promoted the traditional friendship, deepened the mutual political trust and cooperation in all fields.

'I have witnessed the flourishing people to people exchanges. More cultural and artistic groups from China have visited Ghana and staged Chinese acrobatics, dance and martial arts performances.'

She also mentioned the recently observed Chinese movie week, launched at the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, which gave millions of Ghanaians the opportunity to watch splendid Chinese movies at home.

'Two Confucius Institutes have been established in Ghana to teach Chinese language and culture in Ghana. Ghanaians travelling to China have increased by one-third. The number of Ghanaian students studying in China has soared from 3,700 to in 2014 to 6,500 in 2017, ranking first in Africa.

'Likewise, 3, 267 professionals in different fields have been trained in China. The China Ghana Friendship Association, The China Ghana Friendship Association and the China Ghana Friendship Association in Parliament are tightening the ties between the two countries and their peoples,' she said

Pledging China's support to the Government's flagship programmes, 'One District One Factory,' 'One Village One Dam,' and the 'Planting for Food and Jobs', she encouraged more Chinese enterprises to invest in Ghana and create more opportunities for the youth.

'China advocates a new form of international relations and promotes the building of a community of shared future for mankind,' she said.

'China's development will create more new opportunities for the world. We will make new grounds and in pursuing opening up on all fronts and in deepening reforms.

'Looking forward, I am confident that China Ghana relations have a brighter prospect, as a number of projects are about to be implemented. This relationship will not only benefit the two sides but would contribute to the peace and development of Africa. '

Mr Owiredu, for his part, expressed Ghana's appreciation to Madam Baohong, saying her impactful contributions and legacy would stay with Ghanaians forever.

He wished her well in her next endeavour and encouraged her to keep Ghana's place in her heart.

The Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Madam Pavelyn Tendai Musaka, in presenting her side's gift to Madam Baohong, described her as 'a role model and an inspiration'.

Minister Amewu also praised Madam Baohong for her worthy stewardship, while his deputy presented the Ministry's gift to her.

Mr Johnson Asiedu-Nketia, the General Secretary of the National Democratic Congress, also recalled the beneficial ties his NDC Administration shared with Madam Baohong and presented their gift to her.

Other goodwill messages and gifts were delivered.
Mr Freddie Blay, the Acting Chairman of the New Patriotic Party was also present so show appreciation; so was the Inspector -General of Police David Asante Appeatu.

President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo decorated Madam Baohong with the highest State Award at a lunch on Tuesday afternoon.