President John Dramani Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama have arrived in Beijing, China, to begin a high-level state visit at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping, as Ghana and China mark 65 years of formal diplomatic relations.

The visit will feature a series of strategic engagements aimed at strengthening political, economic, trade, and development cooperation between the two countries.

Several key bilateral agreements are expected to be signed in the coming days, signalling a renewed commitment to advancing the historic partnership.

The state visit also coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Gender Summit, highlighting China’s growing leadership role in global gender equality and Ghana’s sustained efforts toward inclusive and equitable development.

Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African nation to establish diplomatic ties with the People’s Republic of China in 1960, shortly after independence.

The historic bond, initiated under President Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao Zedong, laid the groundwork for one of Africa’s longest and most enduring bilateral relationships.

Over the decades, the Ghana–China partnership has evolved from one of political solidarity to strategic economic cooperation, with China playing a pivotal role in Ghana’s development agenda.

Chinese support has contributed to major infrastructure projects, including the Bui Hydroelectric Dam, the National Theatre, extensive road networks, hospital projects, and, more recently, investments in railway development, energy, agriculture, digital infrastructure, and industrialisation.

Today, China stands as one of Ghana’s largest trading partners and a leading source of foreign direct investment (FDI).

In return, Ghana remains an important diplomatic ally for China in West Africa and within multilateral platforms such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

The state visit is expected to further consolidate bilateral ties, expand investment opportunities, and foster shared prosperity between the two nations as they embark on a new era of cooperation.