Ghana Secures $30 Million from China for Aflao Market Redevelopment
Ghana has officially received a $30 million grant from the People’s Republic of China to fund the construction of a modern market facility in Aflao, located in the Volta Region.
This significant development fulfills a key campaign promise made by President John Dramani Mahama during the 2024 general elections. The signing ceremony took place on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Accra.
The agreement forms part of the Economic and Technical Cooperation pact between the two nations. It was signed by Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, representing their respective governments.
A Vision for Regional Growth
The Aflao Market project is designed to transform the trading landscape along the Ghana-Togo border, connecting the local economy to broader West African trade routes including Ho, Lomé, and the ECOWAS corridor. The modern market infrastructure is expected to create thousands of jobs, improve livelihoods, and drive regional integration through enhanced commerce.
This initiative mirrors the success of the Kotokuraba Market in Cape Coast, which was also funded through a Chinese grant during the late President John Evans Atta Mills era, with Mahama as Vice President.
Minister Ablakwa praised the partnership, describing it as a milestone in Ghana-China bilateral cooperation. “This project not only honors a promise made to the people of Aflao, but also contributes significantly to regional trade, job creation, and national development,” he stated.
China Emphasizes Grassroots Impact
Ambassador Tong Defa reaffirmed China’s commitment to “people-centered” development, noting that this project is a continuation of efforts to deliver tangible benefits to everyday Ghanaians. “We had constructive discussions on practical projects that bring direct improvements to both nations,” he said.
Officials confirm that the upcoming market will include state-of-the-art facilities to promote safety, hygiene, and trading efficiency.
Source: https://www.myjoyonline.com/ghana-secures-30-million-chinese-grant-for-aflao-market-project/
